The Government of Liberia (GOL) says it acknowledges with regret that unforeseen technical and logistical challenges have necessitated a change in the enumeration schedule of the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, earlier set for October 24—November 7, 2022.
According to a press release, dated October 27, 2022 and signed by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, the technical and logistical challenges arose due to unforeseen lapses in the Census Enumerators recruitment process.
“To ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process, the Government of Liberia (GOL) and partners, led by UNFPA, have reviewed the processes and have commissioned a Technical Committee to review the applications received and ensure due process in the selection of the potential enumerators based on specific technical criteria in respect of all applications received. The Committee has the task of ensuring that only those who applied through the application portal to serve as Census Enumerators are recruited. The process will be concluded at the earliest. The final list of trainees will be published no later than 29 October 2022, and all interested individuals are invited to view the names of successful candidates on the LISGIS website: www.lisgis.gov.lr.,” the release stated.
According to the release, “The Government of Liberia and its partners also wish to inform all concerned individuals that an appropriate compensation package for the enumerators and supervisors will be provided. This includes reimbursements for expenses related to tablets charging, tour guides, training, transportation and refreshment.
“The census project had envisaged a complex recruitment process of enumerators, which was why applications were requested from qualified Liberians across the country to facilitate local community participation in the project.
“Meanwhile, the Census Steering Committee has lauded the House of Representatives leadership for the intervention and suggestion to adjust the census enumeration timeline to a date to be agreed by the Senate and subsequently endorsed by His Excellency the President. The public will be informed of the new dates, likely to be within November 2022.
“In conclusion, the Government of Liberia and International Partners, led by UNFPA, commend all prospective census enumerators, trainers and the general public for their patience and understanding of the delayed census enumeration. They would like to reassure the people of Liberia that a credible and accurate census count remains their collective priority.”
