“As of Monday 1 July 2024, data synchronised from the field show that about 98% of households across the nation have been enumerated accounting for about 96% of the total population, the Statistic Bureau states in a statement read by Statistician General Nyakassi M.B. Sanyang on Tuesday at a press briefing at GBoS Conference Hall.
He added that 2, 528, 456 persons have so far been counted.
According to him, the evidence from Geographical Information System (GIS)/ cartography and the synchronised data indicated that 99 percent of structures in the country have been listed.
He noted that the census officials are working with the regional census officers to determine if the uncounted structures are due to some devices experiencing syncing issues or sending data to the server.
He emphasised that it’s significant to highlight that the 99% listing coverage rate for the country is an important milestone considering that census coverage is never 100 percent.
However, he added that they have not received all data and since they are at the mopping stage, GBoS has extended to two more weeks for those not enumerated to be covered. He said that after receiving all pending data, they would issue the final counting.
Regarding the payment of the remaining 70 percent to the census officers, SG Sanyang assured that the GBoS project implementation unit will pay the remaining 70 percent to the workers as soon as they are cleared by the regional census officers. He said that would be after data is vetted and tablets are returned.
Highlighting the challenges encountered, SG Sanyang noted that they have received reports from the fields that some of the devices were experiencing syncing issues, but added that data monitors, CAPI technicians and IT experts are working with the regional census officials.
That, he said will help officials to identify the affected tablets, fix the issues or retrieve the data manually. He further raised concerns saying that they are still experiencing resistance from certain cohorts of the communities and non-Gambians.
He urged all households not yet covered to call 1242 and get enumerated, whilst reminding that getting enumerated or responding to the census questions is a legal obligation.
