Staff Reporter
Citizens, both local and those in the diaspora have expressed their admiration for the Government's initiative to decentralize registry services in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The implementation of this initiative has resulted in the extension of the Civil Registry Services to rural areas, making vital documents like birth certificates easily accessible to all.
The positive impact of this program is evident through the story of a diaspora citizen who successfully obtained birth certificates for her children without the usual difficulties.
"I am grateful for the Government’s efforts for making services accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location. This is a step in the right direction," voiced Mary Chirairo, a diaspora citizen.
This serves as a testament to the Government's unwavering dedication to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their geographic location, has equal access to essential services.
Another citizen who benefitted from the decentralization program of registry service also applauded the development saying, “the Government's decentralization of registry services is a game-changer. Now, even those in remote areas can easily access essential documents," said John Moyo, a resident of Gokwe.
The Registrar General of the Civil Registry Department, Henry Machiri explained that individuals above the age of 21 would only receive their birth certificates after obtaining clearance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). This precautionary measure aims to prevent individuals from changing their names to evade detection in cases of pending criminal charges.
Apart from enhancing service delivery, the decentralization has also facilitated computerisation in the Civil Registry's sub-offices. A citizen from Mpoeng, a remote rural area in Plumtree, expressed gratitude towards the Government for reducing the distance that residents had to travel in order to access these services.
The installation of computers in the sub-offices shows the Government's commitment to modernizing service delivery. It is a welcome development," praised Samuel Dube from Mpoeng.
The decentralization of the Registrar's services marks a significant milestone in the Government's endeavour to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens. The collaborative support from international organizations further highlights the collective commitment towards enhancing service delivery and strengthening social protection measures for the betterment of society as a whole.
In other news, the Swedish Embassy has promised to increase funding for the Basic Education Assistant Module (BEAM) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Department of Social Welfare.
