Mutare's classy e-passport office opens

The Government has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Provincial Registry Office in Mutare, marking a major step in decentralising civic services and easing access to e-passport facilities for Manicaland residents. The new facility replaces a dilapidated wooden structure that had served as the provincial registry office for over a decade.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe officially opened the Mutare Provincial Registry Complex on Thursday, highlighting its role in providing essential civic services, including the issuance of passports, national identity documents, and birth and death certificates. The complex, which took over two years to complete, is equipped to handle thousands of applications monthly and features advanced digital security systems to safeguard records. A 40kVA solar power plant ensures uninterrupted service, even during power outages.

Minister Kazembe described the commissioning as a milestone in modernising public service delivery and advancing the Government's decentralisation agenda. "This passport office embodies our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of our citizens. Without civil documents, one cannot go to school, access social services, or travel abroad. This facility bridges that gap, linking citizens to a world of opportunities," he said. He further noted that Zimbabwe's adoption of biometric, machine-readable e-passports aligns the country with international standards, enhancing security and facilitating global travel.

The minister also revealed plans to expand passport services beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with offices already operational in Johannesburg and proposals underway for the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Botswana. He urged citizens to safeguard the facility, describing it as a resource belonging to the people of Manicaland.

Registrar-General Henry Machiri applauded the Government's investment, noting that the new office addresses long-standing risks posed by the previous unsafe wooden structure and reinforces the right of every citizen to identity. Machiri highlighted that civil registration services have now been decentralised to all 10 provinces and 63 districts, making it easier for citizens to obtain vital documents while laying the groundwork for a robust digital identity system.

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the facility reflects the Government's commitment to bringing services closer to citizens under the Vision 2030 agenda. "Today, we witness the dawn of a new chapter as Manicaland takes its rightful place in accessing efficient and secure services," he said.

Residents welcomed the development, noting its potential to save time and reduce financial burdens. Socialite Cecilia Gambe said, "Previously, we had to travel to Harare, Chipinge or Marondera to apply for passports. That was costly and time-consuming. We thank Government for listening to the people." Similarly, Mrs Linda Masasa highlighted the savings for families, calling the office a "real game-changer" for poor residents.

The Mutare Provincial Registry Office is expected to operate as a one-stop hub for civil documents, decongesting other registry offices across the country while providing secure, efficient, and accessible services to the people of Manicaland.