WINDHOEK – The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) yesterday said it is disturbed by reports that some people are refusing the agency’s fieldworkers access into their homes and farms to conduct the annual Labour Force Survey (LFS).
The NSA has been directed by the National Planning Commission to conduct the LFS annually to provide policy makers within the public and private sectors with up-to-date information on developments in the labour market.
“Refusal to be interviewed by officially appointed staff of the NSA is a crime which may carry a fine or imprisonment or both. We would therefore like to encourage each and everyone to contribute to this national exercise that is meant to assess our situation and assist our national development planning,” warned the NSA’s Deputy Director of Strategic Communication, Iipumbu Sakaria. Sakaria added that the NSA is aware that some criminal elements in the country might seize the opportunity of the LFS to gain access to private property. “Our staff are clearly identifiable with official tags and representation. If in doubt of someone, the public should call any police station and inform them about the situation at hand,” advised Sakaria.
The Deputy Chief of the Windhoek City Police, Nathaniel Nendongo, also advised the public to contact the police whenever they are in doubt. “When you are suspicious, simply ask this NSA official to wait while you contact the police. Don’t just refuse them entry and then do nothing about it,” said Nendongo.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of the Namibian Police, Peter Ndokosho, warned those refusing the NSA officers access, saying: “Those who refuse access are warned to desist or they will find themselves on the wrong side of the law.” Ndokosho said the police are, as always, ready to provide their full support to the ongoing LFS.
The NSA’s Sakaria further explained that since employment creation is one of Namibia’s overall development goals, labour market information is crucial for the evaluation of government programmes and projects in support of Vision 2030.
This year’s survey covers a sample of over 9 100 households and the NSA has employed more than 450 people to work on the survey. The results of the survey, which started in September and will conclude this Sunday, are expected to be revealed during the first quarter of 2014.
The NSA was established in terms of the Statistics Act 9 of 2011 and the agency is tasked with collecting statistics and spatial data, educating the public on the use of statistics and designating which statistics are official government data.
By Edgar Brandt