NSA secures funding for delayed census

OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) will be able to conduct its census later this after securing funding for the exercise.

The census was supposed to be conducted last year but was postponed because of a lack of funding, National Planning Commission director-general Obeth Kandjoze informed Namibian Sun in June last year.

NSA board chairperson Salomon Hei said it would be the biggest census ever conducted in Namibia, and it is now scheduled for August 2022.

“Funding is secured through the budget appropriation,” Hei said.

“This year will see the NSA deliver the largest ever census in Namibia and we are pleased to report on a well-run mapping process.

“We would like to express a word of gratitude to the Namibian government, and especially the National Planning Commission under the leadership of Obeth Kandjoze, for making available the budget appropriation on this very important exercise,” he said.

The collection of key statistics would make government’s work in terms of planning easier, he added.

Informed choices

“Statistics are increasingly shaping our decisions, interactions and progress. Good and timely statistics enable us to make better, more informed choices about the things that matter most in our society, economy and livelihoods.

“It is critical that all Namibians have access to statistics they can trust,” Hei said.

Kandjoze last year informed Namibian Sun that N$1 billion would be required to carry out the exercise, leading to its delay.

“We do not have the requisite resources available to finalise a survey with the price tag of N$1 billion,” he said at the time.