KIGALI - The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), yesterday, received Geographic Information System (GIS), equipment that will be used in data gathering during the forthcoming National Census.

The equipment, worth approximately Rwf 137.6m, was handed over to the institute by UNFPA during a ceremony that was held at NISR headquarters.

In her speech, the UNFPA representative, Victoria Akyeampong, said the equipment would assist the government in gathering data about the dynamics and trends of the Rwandan population for a continued sound policy management to meet the current and future needs.

"Properly collected census data with minimal errors is an invaluable resource for any nation because reliable data makes a difference,” she said.

Akyeampong added that the equipment was of the latest technology, saying that the GPS would be used to update the existing maps including updating the administrative units starting right from the village level.

Receiving the donation, the NISR Acting Director General, Diane Karusisi, commended UNFPA and other partners including; EU, DfID and UNDP, who, through the basket fund, pooled funds will enable the institute to acquire 20 new pick-up trucks to facilitate the exercise.

Karusisi also said that the 4th National Census slated for next year had passed through the planning phase and next week, the mapping of village administrative units would kick off.

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