Nyasha Marumbi
GUTU – A popular council bar at Chinyika business centre has been shut down, renovated and converted for use by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) which is on a drive to reach out to more people to register to vote.
The building is now being used by the Registrar General’s office to issue birth certificates and national identity card as well as by the electoral body to register people as voters.
During an interview with TellZim News, Member of Parliament for Gutu North, Ticharwa Madondo said it was pointless to have a bar when people were not registered to vote.
“This renovation was done so as to help citizens to acquire the required documentation needed for one to vote,” said Madondo.
He told residents that he hoped the building will continue to serve its new purpose even after next year’s elections, saying a bar was less important than identity documents and the right to vote.
“I am going to raise an issue in Parliament that government should allow all citizens to have a national identity card even those without birth certificates. This will boost people’s morale and many will go to register to vote,” said Madondo.
Some people who spoke to TellZim News, however, expressed disappointment with the change of use, saying the bar used to be their favourite drinking joint where friends will find leisure after a hard day’s work.local
