Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane raised alarms about Zambia’s population growth, highlighting the necessity of future economic planning. Discrepancies in the new Census Summary Report caused disputes between officials, emphasizing challenges in governance and data validity, which need resolution to address the population crisis effectively.
Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, expressed concern regarding the rapid growth of the country’s population, projected to rise from 13 million to 20 million. He emphasized the urgent need for strategic planning, indicating that the current economic framework may not support such a significant population increase. This situation necessitates immediate response and foresight to align resources with demographic changes.
During the recent launch of the revised 2022 Census Summary Report, Dr. Musokotwane defended the report’s accuracy and credibility. Nonetheless, tensions arose as Civil Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Choolwe Beyani confronted ZamStats Board Chairperson Oliver Chinganya over alleged errors in the report, specifically discrepancies concerning 15 wards. The dispute highlights significant challenges in data accuracy and governance amidst this population surge.
Dr. Beyani claimed that the report violated President Hakainde Hichilema’s instructions. He asserted that these discrepancies effectively rendered the census report “illegal, null and void.” In contrast, Chinganya stood firm on the report’s integrity, stating that the findings were based on rigorous statistical methods. This disagreement underlines the need for transparent dialogue and adherence to presidential directives in demographic reporting.
The alarming increase in Zambia’s population demands urgent planning and resource management, as the current economy struggles to keep pace with demographic changes. Disputes over the Census Summary Report reveal underlying challenges in statistical accuracy and governance. Therefore, coordinated efforts and clear communication are crucial for addressing these concerns effectively.
Original Source: diggers.news
