Africa-Press – Tanzania. ON Saturday, Prime Minister presided over launching of the 2022 Population and Housing Census Management and Implementation Strategic Handbook in Dodoma and made it open that next year; Tanzania will count its people-a bright idea that requires no politics.
This Population Census generally conducted every 10 years has the primary objective of counting the people to provide the government with essential information of spatial distribution, age and sex structure, and other key social and economic characteristics of the people, so that it strategizes development to them based on most accurate data obtained.
This area requires no politics because it presents the government with reliable and official data to strategize on how to address its (read nationals) challenges and meet the goals, which range from achieving universal primary education, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and promoting gender equality among others.
To make it clear Mr Majaliwa said: “The next census on Sunday of August 28, 2022 will be crucial as it will assist the government to obtain basic information that will support the process of implementing the Development Vision 2025, Health and Social Reforms, as well as monitoring other economic agendas.”
It is good news that as technology has advanced, the government is keeping pace and this time round and has brought onboard the use of tablets at all stages, not only to reduce costs, but as well speed up the exercise and come up with accurate data.
It is worth praising the government especially the Ministry of Finance and Planning through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Statistician of Zanzibar (OCGS) overseeing the exercise that by now almost everything in the preparation is in its right order, including the trained personnel, tools and educating the public ongoing.
What must be reinforced several times and not underrated is the public education to make the people see its essence.
If this is not fully implemented, prophets of doom and ignorance in public will instill fear in the public.
It is good that the NBS Chief Statisticians, Dr Albina Chuwa has said that a pilot census will first be conducted in August this year as a means to see if NBS officials are able to use the new technology ahead of the planned national census next year.
“Preparation of the census is conducted in accordance to the Statistics Act chapter 351 and according to NBS projections, by the time of conducting the census projections next year; Tanzania will have a population of 64 million people,” she pointed out.
Let us all rally behind this noble exercise, because it is for the benefit of the nation.
