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Reports in the media this week claiming the government is considering postponing the census which is meant to take place this year, were confirmed by MaltaToday.
The last census held in Malta was held in 1995 and provides essential information related to the population and housing which are vital for planning and determining policy. It is usual that a census is held every 10 years.
Media reports suggested the government is considering postponing the census by five years, and Labour MP Evarist Bartolo pointed out in parliament this week that no provision for the organisation of a census was included in the budget for the National Office of Statistics.
Mr Bartolo said he had asked the Prime Minister in a parliamentary question whether the census would be held this year, and had not been given a reply.
A census is of great help in social and economic planning and will reveal important data including the state of literacy on the islands and the number of vacant dwellings.
When MaltaToday asked the ministry of finance whether the census is to be postponed the Department of Information’s dry reply was: “I would like to inform you that Government is still discussing the holding of a Census of Population and that a decision will be taken in due course.”
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