Nabilah S
Papua New Guinea’s Wau-Waria MP, Hon. Marsh Narewec, is urging the government to enhance its reliance on data and technology as the country prepares for its upcoming census. Narewec emphasized the necessity of a robust information communication system to ensure the census’s success.
He criticized the existing methods of data collection and ICT procurement, labeling them as outdated and inefficient. “Our current system needs major reform. We are not capitalizing on available opportunities because our agencies are operating in isolation, which is hindering our national progress,” he stated.
Narewec emphasized the necessity of overhauling the system, focusing on transparency and improved governance in ICT procurement. He voiced concerns regarding the impact of current procurement practices on the local ICT sector and underscored the importance of competitive bidding processes adhering to best practices.
“Transparency is crucial to prevent suspicions of corruption and mismanagement. Public funds should be utilized efficiently to ensure value for money,” Narewec insisted. He called for a detailed cost breakdown and a comparison with local market rates to justify expenditures.
To build public trust, Narewec demanded the immediate release of detailed procurement information and advocated for an independent audit to ensure accountability.
He also advocated for decentralizing data collection, proposing that Provincial Governments, District Development Authorities (DDAs), and Local Level Governments (LLGs) take on this responsibility. “Decentralizing data collection will ensure more accurate and comprehensive data. These local bodies are already funding census preparatory work, so it makes sense to formalize their responsibility and enhance accountability,” Narewec explained.
Narewec emphasized the potential of the ICT sector, particularly digital MSMEs, to drive innovation. “Local SMEs within our ICT cluster have the capability to develop and implement the necessary technologies. However, the government’s reluctance to support indigenous Papua New Guinean SMEs in the digital space is puzzling,” he remarked.
He highlighted the necessity of dependable internet connectivity and called on the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to expedite the licensing process for providers like Starlink. “Reliable internet is essential for the efficient synchronization of data collected on Android tablets to a central data center,” Narewec remarked.
Narewec also underscored the importance of creating a secure and accessible data storage solution for census data. “A secure data storage system is critical to ensure the utility of data and protect it against unauthorized access or breaches,” he concluded.
