Man pulls gun on enumeratorsA Khomas man reportedly pulled a gun on enumerators and set dogs on them after they showed up to collect data. Namibia Statistics Agency condemns attack The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Saturday condemned attacks by members of the public against enumerators.The NSA is currently conducting an Intercensal Demographic and Labour Force Survey across the country.
Statistician-General of the NSA, Alex Shimuafeni on Saturday condemned the attacks and asked that members of the public give the agency its full cooperation.
He spoke at a media briefing held at Swakopmund where an update on the progress of the survey was given.
Last week, a homeowner in the Khomas Region pulled a gun on enumerators and set dogs on them after they showed up to collect data. In another incident in the Otavi area, someone tore up the data collection materials of an enumerator.
A case of damage to property was registered for the Otavi incident, while the Khomas incident is not yet registered with the police, but the agency indicated that it will be done soon.
The SG said the accused persons might be arrested and charged.
“I do not understand why people refuse to provide information needed for economic planning. It is best that if somebody does not understand the purpose of the survey they approach our offices for clarification instead of refusing and threatening or attacking our staff,” said Shimuafeni.
He also made it clear that the law will take its course with those who refuse to cooperate.
“The agency has the right to prosecute those who refuse to provide information, but this is not the route we want to take.
We therefore ask that people comply as these statistics help Government plan for a better future for all Namibians.”
He said the staff have identification cards and branded reflectors to prove that they are legit.
He applauded residents of the Erongo Region for being cooperative this time around compared to previous surveys, not many refusals have been registered.
Also speaking at the briefing, Chief Inspector Erick Nghaamwa of the Namibian Police in Erongo urged the community to cooperate.
He said instead of attacking the enumerators the community members must call the police to deal with issues, should there be any.
The survey started on 17 October and will run until 11 November 2016.
It collects information on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the population and labour force which are not appropriate for collection during a full-scale census.
NAMPA