Therefore, this is an important national exercise for every citizen to partake.
Suffice it to state here that census is a fundamental undertaking that provides policymakers with requisite information on how to plan and implement development initiatives.
However, prior to the census proper, a pilot census was conducted to enable authorities test the tools and all other related elements required for the census. This also gave officials a better understanding of the loopholes and challenges that may lie ahead.
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS) is the custodian in this nationwide exercise.
Accurate data is key and helps in making decisions on which area or sector needs what and in what quantity.
It is through this exercise that vital information from education and health status, access to drinking water, life expectancy, availability of jobs at the local level, culture and religion, and language to migration pattern is monitored and generated.
The information generated also helps private sector including businesses on how to plan their activities.
For instance, urban Gambia with its challenges in housing needs. Thus, this kind of exercise helps government to measure the number of additional houses to be built to meet the needs of that particular locality.
At this point we commend Ministry of Finance, UNFPA and the World Bank for all their support in ensuring that The Gambia conducts a successful population and housing census.
Also, we want to implore on communities to be willing to give accurate statistics to these field workers in view of the fact that accurate data is vital in any development.
They should always remember that these fieldworkers are collecting this data to help government in its development undertakings.
What is even pleasing about this year’s exercise is that for the first time, the country will be using digital format using -Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). This is indeed laudable. It might be cost effective but is the perfect ways of storing information.
In fact the most important aspect is that it brings one’s data within a click of a button. So this would also prevent the old system of dealing with information, which sometimes end in misinformation here and there. Countries around the globe are moving away from old system of storing data and The Gambia we can’t be left behind in this transformational process.
At this point, we want to commend GBoS and all partners for their foresight in migrating from old format to a new digital system to be in tandem with new innovation.
" I hope all of you are going to fill out your census form when it comes in the mail next month. If you dont return the form the area you live in might get less government money and you wouldnt want that to happen, would you."
Andy Rooney