Toma Local Level Government in the Gazelle district of East New Britain province was the first in the province to complete the national census exercise last week. Toma LLG is one of seven new LLGs in the province comprising of a total eighteen wards. Speaking recently at Wairiki No.1 Ward, Toma LLG Census Coordinator, Irenius Tiula, said that all seventeen wards have been completed and are into summarizing and finalizing of data. The only ward that was still in count was Bitakapuk, which holds the largest population and area in the Toma LLG. “We commenced the exercise on Monday, June 17 and four days into the program and we are almost done.” “Toma LLG has about 116 enumerators and 41 supervisors covering the eighteen wards in both upper and lower Toma.” He reiterated that the LLG has its own fair share of challenges like any other LLGs in the country. “We had instances of people not wanting to be counted here at the Toma LLG and these are mainly families living along the borders of neighbouring Kokopo District.” “A few locals were still confused with the boundaries and didn’t understand the reference night which falls on June 16.” In addition, a common issue which is felt and experienced throughout the country, is the payment of allowances for all enumerators. “The government will still pay its due, however we don’t know when that will be settled but I’m urging those in authority to prioritize this national exercise.” Meanwhile, Census Supervisor for Tagitagi ward one, Serah Betabete, commended the populace of Toma LLG, for adhering to awareness notices and assisting the enumeration team. She said that they improvised by photocopying census forms and bought vests for enumerators to use during the exercise. “We are a new LLG in the province and the census exercise is an important program that can assist our government to plan well for the people here.”