The 2016 Mini-Census has commenced in Vanuatu where over 300 enumerators, fully trained, are currently out in the field to collect information from every household across the country.
“Information is the backbone of development”.
“Statistics compiled from the information collected in the mini-census are vital to the development of our country,” Director of Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO), Simil Johnson stated.
The mini-census came about following Cyclone Pam last year.
Johnson said Pam’s destruction has distorted national framework.
The Government through the VNSO is committed to report to regional and international platforms such as the Samoa Pathway and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Director Johnson, the government required factual information to report back to these organisations.
On the other hand, the information are also vital to the Government for major planning such as building roads, hospitals and schools.
They are also useful references for formulating policies related to the provision of public services.
The enumerators for the first time are conducting the census using tablets with access to the internet. This will help to speed up the process.
Director Johnson is appealing to the citizens of this country, particularly, chiefs, church leaders, and community leaders to offer their support to the 2016 mini-census team, and co-operate in providing accurate information, so as to facilitate the smooth completion of this project, which is vital to the development of Vanuatu.
During the visit, the enumerators will wear a yellow T-shirt uniform and a 2016 mini-census logo.
The director is also extending his appeal to everyone, especially those working in Luganville and Port Vila to try as much as possible to make themselves available for the enumerators.
The mini-census is expected to be conducted within a period of three weeks.