OK Tedi Mine is the first corporate entity to partner the Government to deliver the National Identification Card (NID) Project.
Minister for National Planning, Richard Maru, PNG Civil & Identity Registrar, Michael Kumung, and OTML Managing Director, Peter Graham, signed an MOU on Friday to fomalise the partnership.
The signing took place on in Tabubil, Western Province.
The MOU formalizes the partnership in which OTML and the Office of PNG Civil & Identity Registry to register citizens from the mine areas, Tabubil Township, Fly River corridor and the surrounding communities.
“For the office alone to go out and get the people to come and register is not an easy task. We have got different geographical conditions, we have got issues where people need to understrand the information they need to fill on the form,” said Registrar, Michael Kumung.
As part of the partnership OTML is funding the establishment of a fixed PNG National Identification (NID) office in Ok Tedi with all office equipment, logistics and allowance payment of NID officers engaged in the registration.
“The benefit of the card for everyone is obvious, its helpful for our employees, contractors and the community. So many transactions these days require personal identification so an NID Card is ideal for that,” said OTML CEO, Peter Graham.
Minister Maru commended OTML for taking the lead, which he believes will be used as a model by other corporates.
“We are very excited and I want to encourage all other companies to take the lead that Ok Tedi Mine has taken by being the first resource company to partner the Government,” Maru said.
Minister Maru said it is the intention of the Government to have all Papua New Guineans registered and have NID cards before 2021.