By Kaleb Nghishidivali
Otjiwarongo, 10 August – The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has released a comprehensive update regarding the upcoming 2023 Population and Housing Census, for which the agency serves as the implementing body.
Confirming the start and end dates, the NSA revealed that census fieldwork will begin on 18th September and conclude on 3rd November 2023. This period will also encompass the Post Enumeration Survey (PES), a vital quality assurance exercise that ensures the accuracy and reliability of statistics disseminated by the NSA.
The NSA’s census advocacy efforts began in March 2023, following the allocation of funds by the Minister of Finance for the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Engaging with a wide array of stakeholders including local and national government entities, UN representatives, embassies, high commissions, and private sector organizations, the NSA aims to communicate the census implementation plan and garner essential support.
To spread awareness about the census, the NSA has initiated a multi-channel awareness program. Television, radio, newspapers, and social media are being utilized to disseminate information about the census. Videos and radio jingles in local vernacular languages have been broadcast since July 2023 and will continue until the census enumeration concludes on 3rd November 2023.
Training for the 2023 Population and Housing Census began on 24th July and will culminate with mass enumerator training on 16th September 2023. The training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively carry out the enumeration phase. Presently, training sessions are ongoing in Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo for PES Master Training and Training of Trainers 1 (ToT 1), respectively.
With the 2023 Population and Housing Census poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s socio-economic planning and development, the update from the NSA provides valuable insights as the nation prepares for this significant statistical endeavor. -Namibia Daily News
