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Zimbabwe’s recently USD$300 million face-lifted Beitbridge border post has been eased with the introduction of an E-Passport bio enrollment centre considering it is one of the busiest inland borders within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region where close to 15 000 travellers pass through the port daily.
BeitBridge Border Post travellers number increases to 35 000 during peak periods and the area has an estimated 250 000 residents in both the urban and rural areas. By virtue of its geographical location, residents of the border town are into cross-border related businesses making the availed E-passport a necessity.
E-passport contain an electronic chip, which holds the same information that is printed on the passport’s data page, which include the holder’s name, date of birth and other biographic information.Its documentation also contains a biometric identifier. All of these features are designed to protect citizens from identity theft.E-passports are issued in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chitungwiza, Hwange, Lupane, Beitbridge and Murehwa. The ultimate goal is for all the 59 districts to offer the service.The Beitbridge-passport bio-enrolment centre has ignited excitement among residents who used to travel to other towns and cities to access the services.
This e-passport bio-enrolment centre in Beitbridge opened last month has eased the Beitbridge community and thousands of Zimbabweans living in South Africa who used to incur costs travelling to Bulawayo, Gwanda and Harare for passports.
Opening the facility is in line with the Second Republic’s vision to bring services closer to the people across the country. Minister of Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe has implemented Government policy by decentralising passport services to all district centres fulfilling President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s promise when launched the e-passport bio-enrolment centre in Murehwa.
The Head of State and Government and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mnangagwa said similar services will be offered in Zambia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and in the Middle East. He said work has already started in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town as part of efforts by Government to assist citizens in the neighbouring country to acquire the documents.
Residents and travellers who use the Beitbridge Border Post commended the Second Republic for delivering on its promise. Traditional leader, Chief Sitauze said the local community is excited about Government’ bold decision to bring the e-passport office to their doorstep. “We are impressed with this development as a community. It’s a relief for Beitbridge residents who had to travel to other towns to access such a facility,” he said.“It is quite encouraging to note that the Government is walking the talk and is serious about fully implementing the devolution concept through decentralising key services to districts.”
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