Governor Neville Andre is encouraging residents of the Erongo Region to participate and cooperate with Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) field workers in giving them complete and accurate data.

Andre added that census data plays a crucial role in decision-making across a wide range of fields and is a fundamental tool for understanding the characteristics of a population.

The public is further assured that data collected during the Census period is always anonymous and encrypted and will be used only for statistical purposes.

As the Census staff visits households, safety and security are the top priorities.

He says that the government wants to ensure that people are safe and protected from those who may want to take advantage of the process.

Andre highlighted identifiable features that are put in place to put people at ease.

"Census staff can be identified by their attire, yellow line bibs, and backpacks bearing Census and NSA logos. They will carry a letter of authorization, a Census ID, and their national ID. Vehicles transporting Census staff will also be branded with Census and NSA logos. Furthermore, for all field staff, one can also do a quick verification if the person at your premises is indeed from the NSA by searching for the Census page on the NSA website and clicking on the VERIFY ME button."

In addition, all responses provided to Census staff are strictly confidential.

Disclosure of any information obtained during the census period without lawful authority is an offence punishable by a fine, prison time, or both.

This year's census will take place from September 18 to November 3.