Construction of the long-awaited Filabusi Civil Registry is nearing completion, bringing relief to communities that have for decades travelled long distances to access essential civil documentation.
The project, which commenced in 2004 but stalled in 2006 due to financial constraints, was revived under the Second Republic and is now in its final phase.
With fewer than 20 days remaining before this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Matabeleland South, (to be held at Maphisa Business Centre) contractors have intensified work to ensure that key legacy projects, including the registry complex, are completed on schedule.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Director for Strategic Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mike Masaka, confirmed that construction is on track.
“As the ministry, we are happy that this project is part of the Independence legacy projects, and we are happy that it is going to be finished right on time on April 5. The contractor has increased the number of painters and plumbers so that we finish it on time,” he said.
For residents of Lambamai, Mpalawani and Shamgani, the development marks the end of journeys of more than 100 kilometres to obtain birth certificates, national identity documents and other civil records.
“We never thought this building would be finished in our lifetime. We grew up seeing it as just a foundation, but now we are happy that we will get our documents right here. It was difficult to travel long distances just to get our documents,” local residents said.
The new facility, which will house more than 20 offices, is expected to significantly improve access to civil registration services while boosting Filabusi’s growth as an emerging mining town.
The Filabusi Civil Registry is among several legacy projects being finalised as Matabeleland South prepares to host this year’s Independence Day celebrations under the theme “Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
