Staff Writer
Binga — In a move to improve access to vital civil documents in underserved communities, the Government of Zimbabwe has launched a mobile civil registration campaign in Sinamasanga, a rural area located over 190 kilometers from Binga Centre.
For years, residents of Sinamasanga have faced significant challenges in acquiring essential documents—particularly birth certificates—due to the long distances and high travel costs involved in reaching the nearest registry office.
As a result, many children remain undocumented, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and legal identity.
Deputy Registrar General for Provincial Operations, Christina Chikerema, said the initiative aims to close the civil documentation gap, especially for children in remote areas.
“We are issuing manual birth certificates, national identity cards, and death certificates so that people in this area are not left behind in accessing essential services,” Chikerema said during the outreach.
She emphasized that birth certificates are a key priority of the programme, implemented in partnership with UNICEF and the Embassy of Sweden through the Child Protection Fund.
“This partnership enables us to reach isolated communities so children can obtain birth certificates and enroll in school. Where government capacity ends, our development partners step in to support us,” she added.
The mobile outreach is expected to assist at least 500 people in Sinamasanga by the end of the week.
Similar registration campaigns have previously covered remote districts such as Hurungwe and Chivi, with temporary registration points set up in each area.
Local traditional leaders have welcomed the initiative. Chief Sinamasanga praised the programme, saying it brings long-overdue support to communities that have struggled for generations to access basic services.
“These documents are crucial for our people. This programme is a real lifeline,” said the chief.
The Civil Registry Department has reaffirmed its commitment to extending mobile registration services to all marginalised communities to ensure every Zimbabwean is properly documented and empowered.
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