The 2024 Population and Housing Census will start in Moldova on Monday, April 8. Until July 7, about four thousand surveyors will go from house to house to collect data on citizens and households. On Saturday, on this occasion, a launch event was held in the Opera Square, where information and promotional materials about the census were distributed.
Attending the event, Prime Minister Dorin Recean declared that an important exercise will begin on Monday. “It is important first of all for us, all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Based on the data we will collect during the census, we will make important decisions regarding the construction of infrastructure – schools, kindergartens, social services, medical services. The government is building more and more. Localities have more and more access to projects and it is important to build smartly, based on accurate data”, stated the prime minister. He urged people to be open when reviewers come to their homes.
Oleg Cara, director general of the National Bureau of Statistics, mentioned that from April 8 to July 7, reviewers will arrive in each house to collect unique information about people and houses, about the characteristics of houses and data about people. “The census is an important national activity that offers exceptional opportunities to help our country know how many we are, what our needs are and what support we need. And this is because the census affects each of us. We call on the population to welcome the reviewers kindly and to provide accurate information, according to the census questionnaires, because every person and house is important”, declared Oleg Cara.
EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks believes that the census represents the most important statistical operation in Moldova, which the EU is supporting with 2 million euros and 3,000 tablets for data collection. “The EU understands the critical role that the Population and Housing Census plays in shaping effective policies. Accurate data on how many citizens the country has and what they are will allow better planning, including budgets and human resources. That will lead to a stronger and more prosperous society. This is especially true for Moldova, a country that has firmly committed itself to following the path of European integration”, said the diplomat.
Karina Nersesyan, resident representative of UNFPA Moldova, stated that this is a special day for the country. “This census means an exact, very precise calculation of the population of the Republic of Moldova, so that assistance, social and other kind, can be distributed fairly. This census in particular is one of the most innovative. And thanks to the support of the EU, we provided the reviewers with tablets, which will allow data to be collected electronically”, Karina Nersesyan added. She urged the population to fulfill their civic duty with the greatest responsibility and to encourage others to do so. According to her, opening the door to reviewers will also open the door to a brighter future for the entire country.
July 7 will be the last day of the census. The authorities estimate that the first results - preliminary data - will be published six months after the census is completed. The authorities also state that the information provided by the population during the census is confidential and protected by law. They are used only for statistical purposes (and not for fiscal purposes, for example).
