THE National Statistics Office in Solomon Islands made clarification opposing claims made recently on Honiara’s population projecting to reach 350,000 people by 2025.

The Government Statistician, Mr Douglas Kimi clearly

highlighted the 350,000 people which Honiara’s population is expecting to reach by 2025 is not true as claimed.

Mr Kimi said there is a misinformation Statistician office published about the population data.

“The National Statistic Office has not release any population information for 2050, based on the projected growth rate to 2025, it is highly unlikely the population of Honiara would be increased fivefold to 350,000 people by 2050.

“Population projections are increasingly volatile the further out they move from base year and for this reason our office only publishes date to the year 2025.

“I would strongly encourage all users of data attributes to the National Statistic Office to check figures and where they are sourced.”

In relation to the matter, Mr  Kimi has opposing claims made recently saying according to the 2009 census, the capital’s population was 64,600 and is projected to increase to only 99,500 people but not the 350,000.

Mr Kimi encourages everyone that Statistic office is there to help and their staff are happy to answer any queries citizens may have.

“Accurate data is central to good decision making and development of sound policy and future of Solomon Islands depends on us getting this stuff right,” Mr Kimi said.