SHOCKING statistics show that only 4% of all births in the Northern Province are registered because of cultural taboos. The official provincial population of 4,6 million is vastly inaccurate, according to officials in the Population Unit in the Premier’s Office. They said the figure is much higher, and the lack of accurate data makes it impossible for the government to provide adequate basic services like health, education and employment. “Parents, especially those in the rural areas, are not aware of their responsibility to register new births,” said Orsina Mamabolo, deputy director of the Population Unit, on Thursday. Inaccessibility of registration offices in rural areas is seen to be a major problem, and that poverty often prevented new mothers from travelling long distances to register their babies.