90 000 plastic driver’s licences issued

NEARLY 90 000 plastic driver’s licences have been issued by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) since mid-last year when they were launched.

The licences are already in use in several Southern African Development Community countries, including South Africa.

The new plastic licences are printed instantly, and have security features that make them difficult to forge.

They are also machine-scannable to ascertain their authenticity.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, CVR director Mr Saston Muzenda said: “The number of licences that have been issued to date amounts to 87 729, since the new SADC-compliant licence was introduced.”

Last year, the Government introduced the plastic driver’s licences to replace the metal licence discs.

Before their introduction, those who passed driving tests were issued with temporary paper licences while facing long waiting periods for the metal licence discs.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has so far decentralised services to over 40 outlets and offices across the country.

Added Mr Muzenda: “As the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, we would like to reiterate that we have already decentralised the registration of motor vehicles to 33 Zimpost outlets and eight Zimbabwe Revenue Authority tax offices around the country.”

He said there are ongoing plans to open more branches across the country.

“We also intend to decentralise staff to Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo this financial year, and then to the other remaining provinces next year,” added Mr Muzenda.

“In light of the above, some of the post offices involved in motor registration in Harare are Causeway, Southerton and Chitungwiza.”

He said Zimra tax offices currently issuing number plates are in Harare, Masvingo, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Beitbridge.

X: @santalasy