By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) held a press conference on Thursday at their Kanifing headquarters to update the media on the ongoing Population and Housing Census.
The census aims to gather data on the demographic, social, and economic aspects of the population, as well as details about households and housing.
Nyakasi M.B. Sanyang, the Statistician General of GBoS, reported to the media that as of the fifth day of enumeration, 91,783 households, making up 29.5% of the target, had been counted. Additionally, 768,876 individuals, representing 27.1% of the target population, have been enumerated.
Mr. Sanyang noted that several Local Government Areas (LGAs) have reached and surpassed their enumeration targets. Basse leads with 15% above the target, while Mansa Konko has the lowest coverage at 32.5%. The national average currently stands at 40.0%, slightly higher than the set target of 37.5%.
“I am pleased to inform you that on average we have enumerated 40.0% which is slightly above the national target of 37.5%,” he told the journalist.
Mr. Sanyang shared their frustration that, despite prior sensitization efforts, some fieldworkers are encountering challenges in accessing households, especially in the KMC and WCR regions. He urged the public to cooperate fully with the enumerators to ensure a comprehensive count of all residents, both citizens and non-citizens.
“We are aware that some of our enumerators are facing difficulties accessing some of the compounds in certain localities, particularly within the KMC and WCR. We continue to encourage the general public to give the field officers the maximum cooperation to get everybody, both citizens and non-citizens, in the country enumerated. To the field officers, continue committing to this national exercise and be part of the success story of the conduct of the first digital census in the country,” he said.
He also announced the availability of a toll-free hotline, 1242, for the public to share information or lodge complaints, stating, “Anyone who has information to share or a complaint can reach us through this line 1242.”
Mr. Sanyang made an appeal for collective support, stressing the need for accurate data from the public to assist field officers in their work. He emphasized that the integrity of the census hinges on the public’s willingness to participate and provide truthful information.
He underscored the significance of the census, describing it as an essential exercise that equips decision-makers with critical data necessary for strategic planning and the execution of developmental projects.