President urges everyone to participate in census

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has encouraged everyone to participate in the Census 2014, scheduled to begin tomorrow, Saturday, 20 September.

The president made this request in a video message prior to his departure to Sri Lanka and Singapore on state visits.

“Censuses are conducted in all countries around the world. Its purpose is to mould the country’s social and economic policies, to facilitate public services required by the people,” said President Yameen.

Elaborating on this statement, he said that without establishing the rate of increase of the elderly population, it would not be possible to understand their problems and create social policies to address their needs.

He added that there is also no other way to empower health sector resources, to identify and treat illnesses which are common among the elderly.

He further said that the growth in the youth population must be understood, to determine the areas of focus for mega projects.

President Yameen said that the census will also provide an understanding of the problem of congestion, and help the government identify the areas that require closer attention, to provide better services.