The Minister of State for Planning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guylain Nyembo, recently conducted a field visit to the Lingwala commune in Kinshasa to officially launch the census mapping activities in the capital city. This exercise is part of the second general population and housing census (RGPH-2). During the visit, Nyembo, dressed in official cartographer attire, visited a household to familiarize himself with the process of collecting necessary information for the census.
The census mapping exercise, which will last for a month in Kinshasa before expanding to other provinces, aims to identify and geolocate buildings, households, and infrastructure, as well as demarcate census enumeration areas in preparation for the general census scheduled for July 2027. This phase is the second step in implementing the project, following the preliminary phase that focused on project planning and mobilization of human, material, and financial resources.
Nyembo was accompanied by the team leader of the mission during his field visit. He encouraged the local population to cooperate with the cartographers and facilitate their work. The exercise will enable the government to gather essential data on households and infrastructure, which will inform future development planning and resource allocation.
The census mapping exercise is a critical component of the RGPH-2 project. The first phase involved planning and resource mobilization. The third phase will involve the general census, where data will be collected, and quality control measures will be implemented. The final phase will focus on post-census evaluation, publication, and dissemination of results.
The government has emphasized the importance of this exercise in ensuring an accurate and comprehensive census. The data collected will help policymakers and development partners to design and implement targeted programs and interventions that address the needs of the population.
The launch of the census mapping exercise in Kinshasa marks a significant milestone in the RGPH-2 project. The exercise will provide valuable insights into the country's population dynamics, housing, and infrastructure, which will inform future development planning and policy decisions.
The DRC government has urged citizens to cooperate with the cartographers and provide accurate information to ensure the success of the exercise. The census mapping exercise is expected to create a comprehensive database that will support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development in the country.
Key points
- The DRC's second general population and housing census is scheduled for July 2027.
- The census mapping exercise aims to identify and geolocate buildings, households, and infrastructure in preparation for the general census.
- The exercise will last for a month in Kinshasa before expanding to other provinces.
