The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated a mapping exercise in Kinshasa, marking a crucial step towards the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2). The exercise, which started on September 28, aims to prepare for the comprehensive census slated for July 2027. Cartographers will spend about a month traversing Kinshasa's neighborhoods to locate buildings, identify households, and delineate areas that will serve as references for the future census. This phase is essential for creating a territorial base to organize the census and determine personnel needs for data collection.
The mapping exercise will be gradually extended to other provinces after its completion in Kinshasa. According to the Ministry of Planning, this phase will enable the creation of a reliable database for the census. The government emphasizes that the information gathered during this exercise will be basic and serve as a reference for agents during the exhaustive census. The initiative is a significant milestone, considering it is the first census in 42 years, with the last one conducted in 1984.
The launch ceremony, held at the Cultural and Artistic Center for Central African Countries, was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Director-General of the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Elysée Chovu, and the Minister of Planning, Guylain Nyembo. They stressed the importance of training teams, adhering to work methods, and controlling data quality. The officials highlighted that this preparatory phase is critical for obtaining reliable information for the 2027 census.
The RGPH-2 is a statistical and scientific operation aimed at counting people present in the Congolese territory while avoiding omissions and double counting. The government has clarified that this operation is distinct from administrative identification and electoral processes. The census will provide essential data for development planning and resource allocation.
The Kinshasa governor, Daniel Bumba, has appealed to residents to facilitate the work of cartographers when they visit their homes. The government has assured that the mapping exercise is a necessary step towards a successful census. By participating in the exercise, residents can contribute to the accuracy of the census data.
The mapping exercise is a significant undertaking, requiring the mobilization of resources and personnel. The government has demonstrated its commitment to conducting a comprehensive and accurate census. The data collected will inform development policies and programs, ultimately improving the lives of Congolese citizens.
As the exercise progresses, residents are encouraged to cooperate with cartographers, providing essential information to ensure the accuracy of the census data. The successful completion of the mapping exercise will pave the way for the comprehensive census in 2027. Authorities are optimistic that the RGPH-2 will provide a reliable snapshot of the country's population, enabling informed decision-making and resource allocation.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a mapping exercise in Kinshasa, a crucial step towards the 2027 national census.
- The exercise aims to create a territorial base for organizing the census and determining personnel needs for data collection.
- The government has emphasized the importance of data quality and the need for residents to cooperate with cartographers during the exercise.
