Census data collection extended
MBS said that enumerators endorsed by the bureau will have special passes that validate their presence.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) on Friday extended the ongoing census exercise to collect statistics on the population, residential areas and economic activities of the country.
The census exercise was first scheduled for conclusion by 25 September.
However, MBS said in a statement Friday:
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Data collection will continue until 27 September in Male and Hulhumale
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The deadline was extended due to the lack of enumerators in the Male region
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The census listing has now been completed in major parts of Male and Hulhumale
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Listing work will continue in the remaining areas of Male and Hulhumale until Saturday
Census exercise:
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Enumerators will go from door to door from 9am to 7pm every day
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They will be operating at night in special circumstances
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They will visit households for a second time to collect details once the listing phase is completed
MBS said that the enumerators endorsed by the bureau will have special passes that validate their presence, and advises the public to make sure they are endorsed teams before accommodating the interviews.
MBS said that if the team is unable to locate someone after multiple visits, a flyer will be placed in their residence with information and contact details of MBS. If the team is unreachable, information can be provided via the census hotline of 1423.
The census will collect information regarding:
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In addition to the residential areas and households, information on new economic establishments
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Employment and income details and other information relative to the working age group
MBS requested the public to engage honestly with the enumerators; to provide accurate information and cooperate when they go to conduct the census. The bureau noted that the law regarding census stipulates:
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It is mandatory for everyone under the Statistics Act to provide information for the census.
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A fine of MVR 5,000 will be imposed for obstructing the duties of the enumerators, making abusive remarks or threatening them.
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A person who attempts to conduct a fraudulent census will be fined MVR 30,000 and criminal charges will be pressed.
MBS said that all the collected information from the census -- population, household and economic statistics, as well as the population of expatriates -- will be published next month.
