By GABRIEL KATUHO
A RECENT report released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) estimated that PNG population is nearing 12 million.
The report titled “The National Estimated Population 2021” was released with the help of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Australian Government.According to the report, PNG’s current population rate stands at 11.781 million with a growth rate of 4.9% exceeding the previous growth rate of 3.1%.
Labour and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang yesterday raised concerns on the report saying “it’s alarming”.
She said from the last census in 2011 to now our population has almost reached 12 million and it is alarming.
“We need to look at how we can provide avenues where jobs can be created so that our people can be employed.
“Right now most of the people are unemployed,” Minister Sawang said.
She said this population data is extremely important because government need to have evidence based decision making and evidence based policies.
“From the last election there, were seven additional districts that were created, not only in terms of service delivery but the electoral boundaries.
“This population statistics should help us to look at redrawing the electoral boundaries and also provide important things like water and sanitation including how well we can achieve our vision 2050 and PNG Strategic Development targets,” She said.
Sawang said as a parliamentarian she is concerned about the increase in Population and the current scenario where 5, 000 to 10, 000 people are jamming up and applying for the 200 jobs.
Meanwhile, Minister Sawang said the government is looking at funding the National Census to verify whether the estimated population is true or not.
She said Minister for Planning Hon. Renbo Paita has confirmed that the National Census will commence in 2024.
