Population database to start soon

MAKASSAR: The province is slated to begin its one-month registration program on April 1 to update the province's demographic data.

Chief of the local office of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Anwar Haris, said on Saturday that the data would be necessary to determine the number of seats to be allotted the province in the legislative bodies and for the 2004 elections.

BPS will assign 1,229 officials to conduct the registration program, with each official expected to contact around 300 families.

In order to register the homeless, officials would also conduct the registration at night throughout the province, said Anwar. -- Antara.