Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka has assured residents of the region that the leadership will leverage the 2023 census results to improve planning and effectively monitor development progress.
He made these remarks during the launch of the regional profile report.
The governor emphasised that the census profile report is more than just a document; it serves as a shared roadmap toward sustainable and inclusive development.
"Kavango East region's leadership remains committed to turning these statistics into strategies and these strategies into sustainable development for our communities. We also pledge our continued support towards future data collection initiatives, knowing that accurate and timely data strengthens our decisions and drives progress. Let us remember that behind every number is the reality of our people."
Hambyuka further highlighted that the valuable data contained in the census reports and the profile provide the essential evidence needed for better planning, resource allocation, and confident measurement of progress.
"I encourage every one of you to read it, use it, and let it spark initiatives that will uplift our communities. Together as leaders, policymakers, and citizens, we share a responsibility to ensure that data moves off the page and into action, action that inspires real, visible change to every corner and every resident of our region."
According to the 2023 census, the Kavango East Region has a population of 218,421 residents.
Rundu, the region's capital, is home to 118,632 people, making it the second-largest town in the country.
"The message from the Statistician General is just to encourage the regions to use statistics in their various planning, in their various monitoring and evaluation of programmes, and in the various public and accountability reports, because we are so fortunate that NDP 6 is starting at the beginning; it just started when we are launching these reports. We are going to be measured at the end of the NDP period," said Alex Mufaveti, from the Namibia Statistics Agency.