Approximately 70 percent of households have yet to be interviewed for the 2010 Census.

Government said on Friday that a lack of enumerators and cooperation from parts of the community had stymied its plan to have the count completed by Tuesday, August 31.

"Interviewers report that some householders do not respond when their household is visited, some householders are reluctant to schedule an appointment, persons question whether it is mandatory to answer the census," said Statistics director Steven Holdipp.

"At this time we are actively considering the need to extend the interviewing period. Once a decision is reached in this regard I will be at liberty to speak further on the matter."

Between 300 and 350 persons were originally expected to go from house to house collecting data from residents. Currently there are about 220 interviewers working to collect Census data.

The census is taken every ten years in Bermuda and the main aim is to keep track of how many people live on the Island. Censuses are done around the world to help governments better allocate funds. The government also collects data on age, race and employment and other details during the census.

Bermuda's Census began in May and was expected to finish by August 31. Only 9,400 households had actually completed the interview as of last Friday approximately 31 percent of the total residences across the Island.

"In total Bermuda is comprised of approximately 30,000 residences," said Mr. Holdipp. "It is the collective job of the interviewers to obtain census data in regard to every household member in these households.

"Approximately 11,200 [37 percent] of households have been visited by our interviewers."