Maseru
Lesotho is gearing up for its Population and Housing Census on April 12 and it’s doing so with a modern twist. This time around, unlike in the past, the country is using digital cartography powered by enterprise mapping systems to make sure every household is counted accurately.
Detailed maps have been created to show every enumeration area and household across the country. These maps will help enumerators find and count households using digital devices, reducing errors and ensuring the data collected is reliable.
“This year’s census is different,” Constituency Supervisor Neo Ramonyatsi said in a press briefing. “Enumeration will only take place at designated households identified through our digital maps. This will help minimise errors and ensure the integrity of the data.”
The use of digital cartography and enterprise mapping is expected to bring greater accuracy, efficiency and accountability to the census process. It ensures that no household is missed and none is counted twice. Assistant Supervisors are currently being trained and they will pass on their knowledge to enumerators who will carry out the actual counting.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is supporting this effort, recognising the importance of quality data for planning and delivering services. The organisation said accurate population data is essential for planning and delivering services in maternal health, youth empowerment and gender equality.
It has also provided technical assistance, helped develop a communications strategy and supplied tablets for the digital census because “every person counts and every household matters; the UNFPA emphasised its commitment to ensuring the census is a success.
The census is a big deal for Lesotho and with these modern tools, the country is poised to gather the data it needs to move forward. As the country prepares for this important exercise, residents are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard.
The census will provide valuable insights into Lesotho’s population, helping policymakers make informed decisions about healthcare, education and economic development. With digital cartography and enterprise mapping, Lesotho is taking a big step towards a more accurate and efficient census process.
The government and the UNFPA are working together to ensure the census is a success, and the results will be used to shape the country’s future. Lesotho is counting on its people to participate and make this census a landmark event.
