People Around the Nation to Benefit from National Identity Project - Launched by the Prime Minister in Mendi

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill,   in officially launching the Papua New Guinea National Identity (PNGNID) project,  said it will be of great assistance in planning and delivering Government services.

The program was launched when PM O’Neill opened the Southern Highlands Provincial Registry Office in Mendi yesterday, and then the Prime Minister’s details were entered into the PNGNID system.

In launching the PNGNID project, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the program across the country from the largest cities to the most remote villages.

“The PNG National Identity Project will make it possible for the government to know where people are living and where they greater government services are needed.

“Government requires this information if we are to get better services to the people.

“If a village is growing we will need more roads, more police and more teachers for that area.

“This program will make it easier for us to plan government services because we will know when villages and towns are growing.”

PM O’Neill gave the example of the government’s plan to introduce a pension for people living with disabilities and elderly people over 65 years of age.

“We have to know how many older people are living in an area and we need to know where people with disabilities are living so that we can deliver pensions.”

The Prime Minister said further benefits to come from the program including the use of an identification card that will be used when opening a bank account, accessing free education and health services and being able to vote.

“You must go and register to be able to vote and candidates must encourage people to go and register.

“People can get ID’s and the country can have a good election process.”

PM O’Neill further extended his appreciation to churches and other stakeholders for endorsing the program as it is rolled out around the nation.

The registry office in Mendi is the first to be opened in a province with many more coming online in the months ahead as part of the National Identification Program.  This will bring the services of the civil registry office to the provincial level.