Over 21,000 National Identification (NID) and birth certificate registrations were completed between July and December 2018 in Western Province.
The work is being completed under an MOU signed in July 2018 between Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and PNG Civil and Identity Registry (PNGCIR), sponsored by Minister Richard Maru.
A team comprising OTML Community Relations officers, eight PNGCIR registration and data entry supervisors, and local casuals completed one month’s training on the NID registration and data processes.
They then commenced a six-month trial covering employees and residents of Tabubil Township, Mine Area Landowners and 24 CMCA communities along the Tabubil – Kiunga Highway, at a cost of K730,000.
OTML NID Projects Coordinator, Ani Topurua, said: “The trial has helped identify and resolve issues with the PNGCIR process before we commence the more logistically difficult phase of the project, covering villages in the Middle and South Fly CMCA regions, some of which are remote and without reliable communications.
“A number of applicants have yet to receive their NID cards and birth certificates due to incorrect information provided by the applicants and data entry and photo or finger print errors. Other challenges include a slow vetting and approval process and delays in data transmission, processing and printing.”
OTML MD and CEO Peter Graham said: “OTML is pleased to support this important government initiative which will inform national and provincial planning and help Ok Tedi with its community outreach work. The Project Team is working very hard to roll out the registrations safely and efficiently.”
OTML has committed to providing project management support, accommodation and logistics, office facilities in Tabubil, allowances for PNGCIR officers, and supply casual labour engaged on the project.
The project is estimated to take 18 months to complete and at a cost of about six million kina.
(OTML Community Relations Officers, Anna Omba and Angela Sakias issuing NID cards and birth certificates to villagers from Haidowogam in the North Fly District, Western Province)