ENGA Province has successfully synchronized its data for the 2024 National Population Census, marking a significant achievement in the use of technology for data collection.
The National Statistical Office’s (NSO) decision to adopt Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) technology has proven effective, resulting in higher quality data collection and efficient data transfer.
Enga, with its 17 Local Level Governments (LLGs), has become the first province in the Highlands region and the sixth in the country to complete its census. The other provinces that have successfully completed the census include Manus, New Ireland, East New Britain, West New Britain, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in the New Guinea Islands region.
Despite facing challenges such as tribal conflicts and landslides, Enga has remained steadfast in delivering this critical national project. Under the determined leadership of Provincial Census Coordinator (PCC) Mrs. Joshlyn Kuman Sarett, and with the support of the Enga Provincial Government, the census operation officially concluded last week. Mrs. Sarett presented the completion report to Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka, highlighting the province’s success.
For the first time, a woman led the census coordination in Enga, and Mrs. Sarett’s leadership has been instrumental in the project’s success. Her efforts have set a new benchmark for efficient census operations in the province.
“I am deeply grateful to the members of the Provincial Census Steering Committee (PCSC), the 17 LLG Census Coordinators, and the dedicated enumerators for their tireless work,”
Mrs. Sarett said. “The population data we have collected is crucial for the development plans of Enga Province, which will guide both the National and Provincial Governments in policy planning, resource allocation, and budgeting.”
She also stressed the importance of accurate population figures for international donor agencies and research institutions, emphasizing that this data provides a foundation for inclusive planning.
Mrs. Sarett thanked the Enga Provincial Government, public servants, and the NSO for their support and assured all involved that their efforts would be appropriately rewarded. She emphasized that the census results would pave the way for improved development planning under Governor Sir Peter Ipatas’ leadership.
The population of Enga in 2011 was recorded at 432,045, with a growth rate of 3.5% since 2000. The official statistics from this year’s census will be released once verified by the NSO.
Enga achieved final data synchronization on the eve of PNG’s Independence Day, September 16th, symbolizing the resilience and effectiveness of its public service despite the challenges faced. Mrs. Sarett noted that the successful completion of the census was a reflection of the unity between the people and their local government, working together for the betterment of the province.
Enga’s performance is especially commendable given the size of its 17 LLGs, setting a high standard for other provinces to follow. The results demonstrate that public servants in Enga are dedicated to delivering essential government services.
National Statistician John Igitoi also commended Enga for its successful completion of the census and urged other provinces to finalize the synchronization of their data.
