Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT’S decision to decentralise the issuance of passports to peripheral rural districts has yielded significant success, with over 32 000 e-passports having been issued since the establishment of the civil registry office in Chipinge in 2023.
This information was disclosed by the Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo during a visit to the Chipinge Passport Office.
Dr Gumbo hailed the initiative as a masterstroke and timely intervention, citing the high volume of citizens being served at the office as evidence that more centres should be established in rural districts across the country.
He said the substantial number of citizens utilising the civil registry services underscores the need for additional centres in rural districts, thereby increasing accessibility and convenience for local populations.
The Chipinge Civil Registry Office serves, not only local residents, but also those from neighbouring districts, including Buhera, Chimanimani, Chivi, and Chiredzi. The office previously served the entire Manicaland Province while the Mutare provincial office was still under construction.
Dr Gumbo commended the staff for their efforts in bringing Government services closer to the people, aligning with the administration’s decentralisation and devolution drive.
The success of the Chipinge office underscores the potential benefits of expanding similar initiatives to other rural areas, enhancing accessibility and convenience for citizens.
“Since its opening in 2023, the Chipinge Civil Registry Office has been operating continuously, and its impact is already measurable. This oversight monitoring visit is focused on assessing the effect the office has had on the local community and surrounding districts. We are pleased to note that to date the project has delivered significant milestones, including the issuance of 32 025 passports, which stands as a clear indicator of demand met and barriers removed.
“This project, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership with Garsu Pasaulis and supported by an investment of US$150 000, is an important contribution towards the fulfilment of Section 35(3) of our Constitution, which guarantees citizens access to passports, birth certificates, and other identity documents.
The Chipinge Civil Registry is not merely a building or an administrative centre; it is an essential enabler of rights and services, and a gateway to education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social protection. Civil registration empowers the State to recognise its citizens and gives them the means to claim their rights. When identity is secured, opportunities follow; children can enroll in school, adults can open accounts, access social safety nets, and participate in civic life. That is why decentralising these services into rural districts is central to our national vision, Vision 2030, and to the President’s call to leave no one and no place behind,” said Dr Gumbo.
Chipinge District Registrar, Mr Nascimento Katawara reported that despite the high volumes of people accessing the office, they still face challenges such as inadequate ablution facilities, power outages, and the absence of a CBZ branch on site.
Dr Gumbo assured that the Government will address these challenges, noting that the office operates at full capacity, serving residents of Manicaland and parts of Masvingo Province. He recommended solar backup power and highlighted the need for reliable internet connectivity and a CBZ branch.
The office serves around 100 e-passport clients daily, issues 30-50 birth certificates, 20 duplicate birth certificates, and 70-100 national identity cards.
Mr Tungamirai Dhliwayo, from Chibuwe, who was applying for a passport, praised the service at the registry office, but suggested that having a bank on site would streamline the process.
The post 32 000 e-passports issued in Chipinge appeared first on herald.
The post 32 000 e-passports issued in Chipinge appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.