The Marape-Rosso Government is committed to delivering the 2024 National Census despite the Parliamentary Opposition’s criticisms, the Administrative Service Minister, Richard Masere told PNG SUN.
Minister Masere reiterated the Government’s commitment when responding to former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill’s comments on the national event’s funding shortfalls.
O’Neill claimed that the National Census was allocated K100 million but only K24.4 million was expanded on this item.
Minister Masere said the comments made by O’Neill ‘are grossly misreported.’
Setting the record straight, he said the National Census Office received K150 million worth warrant from the Department of Treasury.
Initially, K100 million was proposed but later through a Cabinet submission, an additional K50 million sought was approved, he said.
He added that funding was being managed through a trust account created under the expenditure arm of the government, Department of Finance.
Minister Masere told PNG SUN that there was delay in outstanding payments to enumerators.
He clarified that it was an administrative matter, which hinges on correct information and document submitted to Department of Finance and Bank of PNG.
He continued that under the Integrated Financial Management System process and Bank of PNG guidelines, funds will not be paid unless all correct and proper documents are submitted by the provinces.
“We must understand that Census is not a project but a process. To be accurately updated, ensure correct data is collected for individuals across the Papua New Guinea. The importance of Census is to update the correct number of population for planning and implementation of Government development agendas.”
Minister Masere said the Census has not been failed as misconstrued by individuals and politicians with vested interest.