Statistician General of the Statistic Sierra Leone (Stats-SL), Professor Osman Sankoh, has announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, that the Mid-Term Housing and Population Census which was slated for December 4, 2020, has been rescheduled for April 19, 2021.
He made the announcement during a press briefing held at Statistic Sierra Leone’s (Stats-SL) head office at A.J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill in Freetown, during the commemoration of World Statistics Day with the theme: “Connecting the world with data we can trust.”
Professor Sankoh attributed the delay to the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and it impacts on the planned support from external institution. He added that the prevalence of COVID-19 would affect the movement of technical personnel (international consultants) and the procurement of digital materials required for the census.
“I hereby informed you all that due to these unavoidable circumstances, Stats-SL is constrained to make adjustments to the timelines for critical activities including the date of actual enumeration,” Professor Sankoh said.
He also disclosed that President Bio has consented to launch the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census formally on December 4, 2020, adding that in spite of the change of the date, Stats-SL remains committed to making the Midterm Census very inclusive and transparent to enhance credible data for national development.
The Deputy Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, mentioned that the government of Sierra Leone apportioned Le14 billion for conducting the midterm census, adding that out of the said sum they have only received Le 4 billion with Le 10 billion as remainder.
He further spoke on the relevance of commemorating World Statistic Day, noting Stats-SL would coordinate nationwide campaigns to specifically describe how its work has responded to the data revolution and the demand for innovative solutions in meeting the demands of sustainable development.
He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration reflects and emphasizes the importance of trust, authoritative data, innovation and public good in National Statistical System.
“This year’s theme also promotes outreach messages that amplify the statistical activities we are engaged in. Our responsibilities in setting statistical standards and development of concepts at the national and international level,” he said.
By George M.O. Williams
21/10/2020. ISSUE NO: 7935