By Theresa Kef Sesay
In his address to the nation bordering on proclamation for the conduct of a mid-term Population and Housing Census (MTPHC), President Julius Maada Bio made mention that in order to help the country plan properly, ensure equitable distribution of resources and foster economic and social development, the Government has decided to conduct a Mid-Term Population and Housing Census across the country in this year.
The President disclosed that data from the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census will undoubtedly inform and guide the implementation of various development programmes including the 2019-2023 Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He furthered how equally statistical indicators derived from the census will show progress made and challenges to be addressed in the overall development of the country.
President Bio admonished that the conduct of the census and results emanating from it should be treated with the utmost sincerity and professionalism.
He said historically, Sierra Leone, conducted its earliest census in 1802, in what is now known as the Western Area adding that it was followed in 1901 with a complete count in the Western Area and sample estimates in the provincial areas.
“Similar censuses were conducted in 1911, 1921, 1931, 1948 and modern day Censuses were conducted in 1963, 1974, 1985, 2004 and 2015,” the President also informed.
President Bio stated how the proposed Mid-Term Population and Housing Census, as with mid-term population surveys all over the world, will be conducted this year by Statistics Sierra Leone.
“It will update and take stock of significant gaps in the 2015 Population and Housing Census. It will also provide reliable baseline data to assess the impact of the Government’s key development interventions in respect of the Medium Term National Development Plans (MTNDP) and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” he reiterated.
He said he was informed that a new and improved methodology, (Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews – CAPI), will be used for the very first time to conduct the census in this country adding how it will be done at no risk to staff and respondents with respect to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
President Bio told Sierra Leoneans his Government has committed 14 Billion Leones to fund the activities of the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census.
He revealed how the World Bank and the United Nations Population Fund have made significant funding commitments also stating that other partners have also demonstrated strong interest in supporting the important national exercise.
“I have been advised by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development on the state of preparedness for the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census this year. Statistics Sierra Leone has commenced preparatory activities including the updating of cartographic maps,” he continued in his address highlighting that given that background, he now, thereby, order that a Mid-Term Population and Housing Census of all inhabitants of Sierra Leone will commence on the 4th day of December 2020.
