Question: The Zambia Statistical Agency is currently recruiting enumerators and other staff in the forthcoming census of 2020, an exercise that is undertaken every decade. This is a very costly national exercise that calls for colossal sums of money in the midst of other pressing emergent problems, including debt repayment. In this regard, some segments of society have accused government of lacking priorities because according to them such funds should have been directed at creating more jobs and infrastructure development. In your view as a seasoned demographer, and with relevant examples, what justification would you provide to those lamenting over government's decision to commit huge resources to the census exercise instead of paying immediate attention to the numerous socio-economic problems affecting ordinary Zambians?