Census enumerators facing transport problems in Gwanda

Census enumerators in Gwanda South are complaining of transport problems.
According to survey carried by the state controlled Chronicle on Monday, some enumerators are having problems carrying out the exercise. "Some of us have to walk for up to 12km to get to the people. I walked six kilometres to the EA (enumeration area) and had to walk another distance to reach the village where I was supposed to be. I am making all these sacrifices because I need money so that I won't have problems to pay next term's school fees for my children," said an enumerator who requested anonymity.
Some expressed disappointment over the failure to get their payments on time, saying it was worsening their situation as they had to take care of all the costs incurred during the exercise.
"We are trying to make some money but surprisingly we are now the ones to source funds to see that this process is a success. We were just thrown into the wilderness without money in our pockets but we are expected to come up with results," said another enumerator.
"Nothing has been communicated to us, we don't even know who to ask about the payments and we are not sure when we will get them. I left my family without anything at home because I have channelled all the money I had to this process."
However, some said they were using their cars to move from one place to another."It's easy for me because I have a car. The only problem is that I have to source fuel," said another enumerator.
The situation, however, is different with those in Gwanda urban.
"We were so relieved yesterday when we received some of the money. We were given $20 for training per day, meaning that most of us got $100 each for the five days in training as well as $10 each for transport," said one of the enumerators.
Census began on the midnight of 17 August and collation of data will take up to 27 August.