By Vasinatta Yama, EM TV – Mt Hagen
National Planning and Monitoring Minister, Richard Maru, urged all public servants in PNG to register themselves with the Civil Registry office, and it is a must for them to have a National Identity Card.
He said this yesterday in Jiwaka Province, after officially opening a new NID office in Banz town.
Minister Maru also appealed to other citizens to register themselves to access government services.
Minister Maru said all public servants must register themselves to be on the National Payroll System.
He gave 12 months for public servants to get registered. Mr Maru warned them that no NID card, means no pay.
Minister Maru further explained that there are too many ghost names on the National payroll system, and to solve this and similar issues, having a NID card is the answer.
At the opening of the new NID office, Minister Maru explained to the people of Jiwaka Province that the office will collect data of deaths, births, adoptions, and marriages, while at the same time, registering and issuing NID cards and certificates.
Minister Maru said for better planning, the National Government needs to know the exact population of our people.
He said PNG cannot fail anymore in the next National census in the year 2020. Registrar General, Michael Kumung, who also attended the opening, encouraged the public to register to be able to access government services.
The National Government also needs to know the exact population of a district or Province so that funds can be allocated according to the population registered under NID.
Minister Maru was in Jiwaka Province for two days for the opening and to assess developments in the new Province to report back to the Cabinet of its progress.
His next visit will be to Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Province and Bougainville.
Those who attended the ceremony yesterday were Jiwaka Governor, Dr William Tongamp, South Waghi MP, Joe Kuli, and other dignitaries.
