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James Debono
NSO director Alfred Camilleri has informed MaltaToday that the census on the Maltese population will be held later on this year. While preparation for the census has already started, the data will be collected in November.
The last census held in Malta was held in 1995 and it 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.
Back in January, Labour MP Evarist Bartolo had pointed out in parliament 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 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. This data is also vital due to the requirements of EU membership.
In January MaltaToday had 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.” It seems that the government has taken a decision and the census will be held.
jdebono@newsworksltd.com
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