Government releases ZiG20m for Filabusi after 2-decade delay

The Government has released ZiG20 million to fast-track completion of the long-stalled Filabusi Registry Offices in Insiza District, with construction now expected to be finished by March.

The project, initially launched in 2004 but halted in 2006 due to financial constraints, was briefly revived in 2018 before stalling again in 2019. Works resumed in January 2026, and the facility is currently 65 percent complete, according to Engineer Sijabuliso Ncube.

Once operational, the Filabusi Registry Offices will allow residents to access passports, national identity cards, birth and death certificates, and other travel documents locally, eliminating the need to travel to Bulawayo or Gwanda for such services.

Minister Albert Nguluvhe described the development as a "milestone" for Filabusi and highlighted its role in easing congestion at other registry offices in the province. He said the project aligns with the Government's decentralisation and devolution agenda under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, aimed at bringing essential services closer to communities.

Eng Ncube confirmed that brickwork procurement is now 75 percent complete, carpentry works have started, and 24 general workers, six skilled artisans, and one qualified builder are engaged, though additional skilled labour is still needed to accelerate progress.

The revived Filabusi Registry Offices are expected to significantly improve service delivery and mark a key infrastructure milestone in Matabeleland South, which will also host this year's Independence Day celebrations.