West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, has made a strong push for the expansion of National Identification (NID) registration in the province, announcing a substantial allocation of K1 million to support the rollout.
The initiative underscores the critical importance of biometric identification for all citizens, with K600, 000 earmarked specifically for acquiring advanced NID registration kits from the USA.
“It’s very critical to have NID for all our citizens,” stated Muthuvel.
“The K600,000 is mainly to get the NID registration kit, which registers not just names but also fingerprints and eye scans, ensuring we have complete biometric information.”
Currently, West New Britain is equipped with only two registration kits, which has limited the pace of the rollout.
Despite these constraints, the province has managed to register 130 people, placing it 7th nationally in registration numbers, behind the National Capital District (NCD), which benefits from easier access and better resources.
Muthuvel emphasized the need to prioritize remote and challenging areas such as Kendra and Gloucester districts.
“We appeal to the NID team to start from our remote areas,” he urged.
“Once these areas are covered, we can move to the other districts like Nakanai and Talasia, which are more accessible by road.”
The allocated funds will be used to purchase 20 additional registration kits and K300, 000 will be spent on consumables and equipment, including NID cards that cost around K12 each.
Muthuvel stressed the need for either government subsidies or free distribution of NID cards, especially for rural populations.
“This card will be mandatory by the 2027 election,” he noted, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive registration before the deadline.
Muthuvel expressed gratitude for the efforts of long-serving NID Director General Noel Mobiha, who has been instrumental in preparing and training teams across various provinces.
“With his guidance, we should be able to get all of our people registered before 2027,” Muthuvel said, reinforcing the broader significance of NID beyond electoral purposes.
The governor’s proactive approach aims to ensure that West New Britain’s citizens are fully integrated into the national identification system, facilitating access to services and participation in democratic processes.
This move reflects a broader commitment to leveraging biometric technology for enhancing governance and service delivery in Papua New Guinea.