Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Richard Maru questioned officers from the National Statistics Office about why the country’s data has not been updated in the last 5 years.
He said the lack of updated data is the biggest problem in the country which the NSO has been tasked to fix.
Minister Maru challenged them to carry out the census to update data for National Election, National Accounts and create a Management Information System.
Minister for Planning and Monitoring Richard Maru paid his official ministerial visit to the National Statistical Office this morning in Port Moresby.
Minister Maru was accompanied by Planning Secretary Hakaua Harry and was warmly received by National Statiscian, Roko Koloma and officers.
Mr Maru while visiting the Economics and Populations Services division in the Department questioned why the country’s data was not being updated.
Maru said his first task is to present a submission before the NEC in the coming week on NSO analysis as to why they failed to provide updated census data for the last National Elections.
Mr Maru also wants the National Accounts to be updated with a timeframe on what the government will do to support them. A management information system will also be put in place.
National Statiscian, Roko Koloma responded that the NSO are working closely with the Australian Bureau of Statistics to build capacity and capability to improve statistical methods of data collection.
He said the must put resources into vital surveys to align with their 10-year strategy. The survey excercise will also look at recruiting village-based officers around the country for local knowledge.
The NSO is also working closely with IRC to provide them with GST and Central Bank of PNG to discuss analysis on PNG’s economic indicators.
1 comment
Please Minister Maru crack down on the Failure of NID Project because this project was an Alotau Acord 1.
Failed Department Heads will not implement government policies and programs.