Census to confirm baby boom, says minister
By JESHER TILTO
ADMINISTRATIVE Services Minister Richard Masere says data collected during the National Census 2024 is important, particularly of the increasing youth population.
He said since 2011, when the last census was conducted, there has been a “baby boom” in the country.
“There has been a large growth of children within our population, and the youth bulge is a concern of the Government,” he said.
“The census will be able to put the population into segments.
“Each have their own needs and as a Government, we need to be able to plan for that.”
Masere said more exercises would be conducted after the census to capture more information about the country’s demography.
In May, Professor Glen Mola described the annual increase of the population by about 300,000 as a “time bomb”, which has severely affected the country’s development.
Mola, the head of the obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Science, and Port Moresby General Hospital, shared this during a seminar about the country’s population growth and development.
“The country’s rapid population growth is a national emergency,” he said.
“It has the potential to destroy our nation and it is looming as an issue for the next generation.
“There are about 400,000 births and 100,000 deaths each year.Therefore, the population increases by about 300,000 each year.”
Mola said that the country’s population is expected to reach more than 20 million by 2050 based on the current population trends.
“The current population is estimated to be about 10 million but it could be more,” he said.
“If the population increases to that kind of level, it will stress the nation’s ability to cope.”
National Research Institute director Dr Osborne Sanida said population figures were important for the development of all sectors in the country.
“Population and development is a very important issue that all sections of our society and economy must take note of and address the inherent challenges,”he said.
“Having a good quality basic education, having access to basic health care, and having adequate food and shelter are fundamental for the development and wellbeing of an individual or a community.”