By Lemohang Botsane · Maseru
The Bureau of Statistics has begun revisiting households in all ten districts to confirm the information gathered during the 2026 Housing and Population Census, ahead of preliminary results due in August.
The Bureau of Statistics (BoS) has started a nationwide exercise to check and confirm the information collected during the 2026 Housing and Population Census.
The census was completed in May 2026. Now BoS wants to make sure the numbers are correct before they are used for government planning.
In a statement this week, BoS said census data is very important because it helps the government plan for the future, share resources, and make policies.
“Decisions about healthcare, schools, roads, water and other services are based on census information. That is why we must make sure the data is accurate and reliable.”
How the census verification works
The census verification and validation process started on Thursday and is being carried out by BoS permanent staff.
These staff members are visiting selected households and communities in all districts to go back and confirm the information that was collected during the national count.
BoS is asking members of the public to welcome the field staff and answer their questions honestly.
“Your cooperation will help us build better data for a stronger and more prosperous Lesotho,” the statement said.
Confidentiality under the Statistics Act
BoS said it takes privacy very seriously. All field staff have been told to follow strict rules of confidentiality and professionalism.
According to the Statistics Act of 2001, any information given to BoS will be kept confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes. It will not be shared with police, tax offices, or any other institution.
Accurate information will help the government know the exact number of people, where they live, and what their living conditions are like. This information directly guides decisions on clinics, schools, jobs, and infrastructure.
Preliminary results expected in August
The 2026 Housing and Population Census is the seventh scientific census that Lesotho has done since 1966. It is part of the 2020-2030 round of censuses. [internal link: previous Tribune census coverage]
This was a nationwide count that recorded every person and every household in the country.
Preliminary results from the census are expected to be released in August 2026.
BoS said once the census verification is done, Basotho can trust that the numbers reflect the true picture of the country.
