Fiji will be conducting its next Population and Housing Census in June, 2007 at an estimated cost of $7 million. 

Minister for Finance and National Planning, Ratu Jone Kubuabola says that a population census along with surveys of business, industry and agriculture, provide data which describe the structure and composition of the population and the economy. 

"The Census is aimed at gathering information on all persons living in the country on census night. 

"Censuses normally take place every ten years with the last one conducted in 1996. 

"The next census was planned for 2006. However, due to the 2006 general elections, it was decided that this be deferred to 2007." 

Ratu Jone said that in preparation for the 2007 Census, the country will be divided and mapped into 1800 geographical units or Enumeration Areas (EAs) within the 'tikina' boundaries of 14 provinces and Rotuma. 

"The data collection phase involves significant manpower mobilisation and co-ordination given that it is conducted simultaneously over the whole country. 

"Data collection will involve the deployment of 1920 enumerators, 475 supervisors and 200 support staff to gather information from households in their assigned areas over a two-week period." 

Ratu Jone said that census results are important as a planning tool for making informed policy decision 

"These may include: formulation of policies impacting on children, youths and the elderly; formulation of localised development plans for villages, settlements and other localities; assessment of current living standards and identifying future needs such as safe water supply, hygienic toilet facilities, sanitary waste disposal, proper housing, electricity, secure land tenure and telecommunication. 

"It also provides for the formulation of labour supply and demand information to put in place training programmes and plans to meet the country's needs; formulation of policies and programmes to develop the informal sector, alternative livelihood, and income generating opportunities which are effective means of reducing poverty. 

"It further assists in the revision of the current Election Constituency Boundaries; and information on internal migration to guide the formulation of development strategies in meeting the changing regional needs." 

Ratu Jone said that preparatory work for the 2007 Census begins in 2006 and one of the important exercises is to host a Census Users Conference in October 2006. 

"Selective users of census information will continually meet after October 2006 to discuss various issues such as improvement in the questionnaire design and selection of appropriate tables." 

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