House Postpones Nat’l Population, Housing Census

Addis Ababa June 12/2020 (ENA) The House of Peoples’ Representatives and House of Federation approved the postponement of the National Population and Housing Census due to COVID-19. 

The two houses decided with majority vote to postpone the census for the third time in their 1st joint extraordinary session held on Thursday.

During the deliberation, members of the parliament and federation noted that not only is inadvisable to conduct the census but also will not be conducive to attain credible data during this time of the pandemic.

While some other members argued that the outbreak of COVID-19 currently is at its early phase and the National Population and Housing Census can be pursued.

After thoroughly debating on the matter and the damage it may cause, members of the two houses approved the postponement of the national census.

Members have also decided for the census to be conducted within 2 years after the pandemic is proven that it would not be a threat both at national and global level.

The bill was approved with majority vote, 5 against and 13 abstention.  

The House of People’s Representatives yesterday has also discussed on the over 476 billion Birr draft budget bill for the next 2020/21 Ethiopian fiscal year and referred it to Budget, Revenue and Finance Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny.