Census 2023: Play your part, get counted
The 2023 Population & Housing Census enumeration officially started on 24 September and will conclude on the 3rd November. The census enumeration, where all households and dwelling units are enumerated. The information that is sought consists of demographic, social and economic nature. The demographics part concerns itself on how many people are in Namibia, how hold they are, whether they are male or female and where they live. The census questions also want to find out the social indicators such as education levels, employment conditions and other indicators.
In terms of household the census wants to understand that living conditions of people living in Namibia. This includes that type of housing structure, whether there is access to water and electricity, as well as the sanitation situation. It also seeks to understand the access to Information and Communication Technology in Namibia. Most of you will agree that the use and ownership of cellphones has increased dramatically, to the extent that sometimes there are more cellphones than people in certain rooms, or conferences.
The census enumeration will consist of two (2) phase, namely the normal counting as well as the post enumeration survey (PES). The normal enumeration take place until 13th October; whilst, the post enumeration survey, which is a quality assurance exercise, is sample based and runs from 18th October until 3rd November. Quality statistics is one of the most important aspects of statistics since statistics which are not qualitative are of no use and actually might mislead planners and implementers. Therefore, it will be critical to take part in the sample based post enumeration survey as well.
Often we receive questions of why should I take part in the census, and whether it is compulsory to be counted and enumerated. Firstly, you are important and you count. Your very presence and being, plus being part of Namibia, is important to us and we want to know about you. Accurate data can only be derived at when people are indeed counted and provide accurate information. The information provided is legally confidential and anonymizes, meaning it cannot be traced to any individual. The law also requires that all persons in Namibia take part in the census and refusing unnecessarily may bring a heavy fine, imprisonment, or both. The Namibia Statistics Agency has never gone this route to deal with those that do not want to be enumerated and wishes to never have to enforce the law in such matters. NSA prefers that the nation provides information voluntarily, as it is better for all and enhances quality.
The census will be conducted under strict support and assistance from law enforcement agencies. Therefore, those that harbor any ideas of engaging in criminal activities, such as targeting households or census enumerators, will be severely dealt with by the law enforcement agencies. The advice here is to rather be a law-abiding person and not invite the wrath of the law enforcement agencies upon yourself.
The census happens only every ten years and should normally not be off too much bother for anyone to participate, the information will assist everyone to make better and more informed decisions and will help the country to correctly deal with the various social economic challenges. Therefore, the census is here, do play your part and make sure you are counted. If you have not been counted by the 6th October 2023, call NSA on 061 431 3200, or contact us on all social media platforms, and alternatively do send an email to [email protected] so that you can be counted. We appreciate the nations support. Thank you.
* Iipumbu Sakaria is the Manager of Corporate Communications at the Namibia Statistics Agency.
In terms of household the census wants to understand that living conditions of people living in Namibia. This includes that type of housing structure, whether there is access to water and electricity, as well as the sanitation situation. It also seeks to understand the access to Information and Communication Technology in Namibia. Most of you will agree that the use and ownership of cellphones has increased dramatically, to the extent that sometimes there are more cellphones than people in certain rooms, or conferences.
The census enumeration will consist of two (2) phase, namely the normal counting as well as the post enumeration survey (PES). The normal enumeration take place until 13th October; whilst, the post enumeration survey, which is a quality assurance exercise, is sample based and runs from 18th October until 3rd November. Quality statistics is one of the most important aspects of statistics since statistics which are not qualitative are of no use and actually might mislead planners and implementers. Therefore, it will be critical to take part in the sample based post enumeration survey as well.
Often we receive questions of why should I take part in the census, and whether it is compulsory to be counted and enumerated. Firstly, you are important and you count. Your very presence and being, plus being part of Namibia, is important to us and we want to know about you. Accurate data can only be derived at when people are indeed counted and provide accurate information. The information provided is legally confidential and anonymizes, meaning it cannot be traced to any individual. The law also requires that all persons in Namibia take part in the census and refusing unnecessarily may bring a heavy fine, imprisonment, or both. The Namibia Statistics Agency has never gone this route to deal with those that do not want to be enumerated and wishes to never have to enforce the law in such matters. NSA prefers that the nation provides information voluntarily, as it is better for all and enhances quality.
The census will be conducted under strict support and assistance from law enforcement agencies. Therefore, those that harbor any ideas of engaging in criminal activities, such as targeting households or census enumerators, will be severely dealt with by the law enforcement agencies. The advice here is to rather be a law-abiding person and not invite the wrath of the law enforcement agencies upon yourself.
The census happens only every ten years and should normally not be off too much bother for anyone to participate, the information will assist everyone to make better and more informed decisions and will help the country to correctly deal with the various social economic challenges. Therefore, the census is here, do play your part and make sure you are counted. If you have not been counted by the 6th October 2023, call NSA on 061 431 3200, or contact us on all social media platforms, and alternatively do send an email to [email protected] so that you can be counted. We appreciate the nations support. Thank you.
* Iipumbu Sakaria is the Manager of Corporate Communications at the Namibia Statistics Agency.
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