By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – The Masvingo District Registry Office allegedly suspended the replacement of national identity cards for the past week due to a critical shortage of official receipt books required for processing the US$10 replacement fee, TellZim News has learnt.
Multiple sources confirmed they were turned away when attempting to replace the crucial documents, with one frustrated applicant revealing that only individuals possessing the older green identity passbooks were being served for upgrades to the new plastic cards.
“I went there intending to replace the ID that I lost, and it was urgent because I wanted to apply for a job vacancy. I was informed that since Monday, October 6, they had not been processing replacements,” said the source
When contacted for comment by TellZim News, Masvingo District Registrar Lawrence Mapara could neither confirm nor deny saying he was not allowed to speak to the media.
“I am not allowed to speak to the media, you are closer to the offices, you can come and see for yourself what is happening,” said Mapara.
However, an internal source confirmed the disruption in services, attributing the problem to logistical challenges involving fuel.
“It’s true, we have not been issuing replacements since Monday. The office ran out of receipt books, and I understand there’s no fuel available to collect new stock from the head office in Harare,” said the source.
This is not the first time the registry has faced operational challenges. The office has previously experienced similar disruptions, including fuel shortages for generators during power outages.
“The registry has repeatedly been plagued by administrative hurdles like fuel shortages for generators, especially during electricity cuts. Even when well-wishers offer to assist with fuel, bureaucratic government procedures prevent such interventions,” the source added.
The registry office was also among several government buildings that endured prolonged power disconnections after the Department of Public Works failed to settle prepaid electricity accounts. The situation was only rectified following media exposure of the issue.
The current suspension of ID replacement services continues to inconvenience citizens who require the vital documents for various transactions, including employment applications, banking services, and access to other essential services.
