By Vasinatta Yama – EM TV, Port Moresby
The much talked about PNG National Identity (NID) Project was trialed today in Port Moresby, with the rollout of a mock exercise.
National Planning Minister, Charles Abel, said the project is important and risky, and needs support from the government and development partners.
NID is a benchmark set by the Papua New Guinean government to include all citizens in its plans and priorities.
A good number of people turned up today at the National Statistics Office to undergo the trial exercise of registering their identities.
The NID project is an Identification Card System that contains personal information of all citizens.
It gives the Civil Registry and National Statistics Office the upper hand when it comes to collating proper data and statistics of PNG and be current with the National Census and Electoral Roll.
It will also help the government to provide vital services, and will include other benefits of having access to small business loans, opening new bank accounts, subsidised health care and school fees.
People with Special needs and those underprivileged can present their ID Cards to get pensions.
However, Minister Abel, on a radio talk show today said there are anticipating hiccups or issues to the implementation of this project.
To avoid the risk, the Minister urged the bureaucracy and the public to making sure the system is supported, maintained, utilised, and is continuing.
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