15 Nov 2020

The development of the district population and development profile is a step in the right direction in delivering the necessary solutions specific to the needs of Selibe Phikwe people.

Speaking at district population and development profile workshop recently, Population and Development coordination officer, Ms Yvonne Phale explained that a population and development profile was a document that depicted comprehensive insights into the variables of population and development.

She further explained that population and development profile tried to establish the interrelation between population and development by providing disaggregated data for the two variables, adding that the data was important when it came to planning in terms of knowing where to direct resources.

Ms Phale also outlined that the population and development  profile provided an opportunity to share development outputs with other stakeholders and showcased the district’s comparative advantage compared to other districts therefore unpacking investment opportunities for the district.

Furthermore, she said, the population and development profile helped to combine the district’s information into one document.

The population and development profile utilises data mostly from the population and housing census, national surveys, national reports, sector reports and administration data or district reports.

She highlighted that data should be official and valid, stressing the importance of data quality.

“The development of a population and development profile is a multi-stakeholder collaborative process,” said Ms Phale

The profile, she explained, was to be compiled by different sectors at different levels, adding that the process involved consultation within sectors and beyond.

For his part, Selebi Phikwe deputy district commissioner, Mr Mokgethi Nfila said the process came at a right time when the town was also in the process of formulating its Local Economic Development (LED) strategy,

He further explained that the district population and development profile was going to serve as a reference point going forward with the development of LED strategy.

Mr Nfila also highlighted that the profile would help assess the current development situations and other critical issues in the district thereby providing evidence for future planning. Ends