The highly anticipated digital transformation for the PNG National Census 2024 faces significant delays, as the majority of the 22,000 digital tablets designated for the census are still in the warehouse. National Statistician John Igitoi cited logistical and technical difficulties as the primary causes for the delay in distributing the digital tablets across the country. He disclosed that most of the tablets are yet to be properly configured at the National Statistical Office (NSO) warehouses in Port Moresby, where other census materials are also stored awaiting dispatch. Concerns have been raised about enumerators having to manually collect data instead of using the digital tablets, which were intended to enhance data collection accuracy and efficiency. Igitoi addressed these concerns, assuring census workers in various provinces that all digital tablets, along with other necessary materials, would be distributed in time for use during the enumeration period, which commenced on Monday and will run until June 30.
“Dispatching of these materials is underway nationwide,” Igitoi stated. “This requires very intense coordination and poses significant logistical challenges across the country. Despite these critical issues, we are ready to proceed as we move through the enumeration period.” Last month, Max Industrials' CEO Ashok Pandey announced the arrival of the first 8,000 digital tablets in the country. He also mentioned that the remaining 14,000 tablets would arrive at a later date, with an additional 1,000 tablets ordered to cover any potential technical issues. Earlier this month, Igitoi confirmed that all 22,000 tablets and accessories had been received and were slated for distribution. Last week, Administrative Services Minister Richard Masere clarified that Max Industrials had met all procurement requirements to be awarded the K17.2 million contract for supplying the digital tablets. The rollout of these tablets is critical to the success of the National Census 2024, which aims to leverage digital tools for more accurate and efficient data collection across the nation. The census period continues amidst these logistical hurdles, with efforts intensifying to ensure all regions receive the necessary equipment and materials. Also read Comments are closed.
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