Story by Fungai Jachi
THE establishment of an e-passport office at Rutenga Growth Point in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province, is emerging as a key milestone in the Second Republic’s decentralisation drive, bringing essential services closer to communities.
Opened two years ago, the facility has significantly eased access to passports, ending the long-standing need for residents to travel to Harare to obtain the vital travel document.
The Rutenga office has become a success story in Masvingo Province, with improved efficiency and convenience now defining the passport application process.
A visit to the facility by ZBC News confirmed smoother service delivery, with residents expressing satisfaction over the accessibility and turnaround times.
“Everything is being done well here. It is now very easy to acquire a passport,” a resident said.
“Since the establishment of this e-passport office, it has been great because it is now closer and the service is excellent,” another added.
“It has become so easy, everything is now so easy when you want a passport. We are grateful.”
Beyond passports, the centre also offers Civil Registry Department services, including the issuance of birth and death certificates, as well as national identity cards.
“It used to be stressful for us when we lost our national IDs, but now it is easier to replace them,” a resident said.
“This office has been functioning very well since it was established. We now have access to these critical documents without a hustle,” another said.
The rollout of decentralised e-passport services across all provinces reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to improving public service delivery and ensuring no community is left behind.
