CABINET has announced the resumption of inter city travel among other transport related services in a bid to cope with the reopening of schools.
By Michael Gwarisa
Briefing journalists during a post cabinet media briefing, Information minister, minister Monica Mutsvagwa invited transporters wishing to operate to register with government ahead the reopening of schools.
In view of the re-opening of schools for examination classes, the tourism and hospitality industry, and aviation sectors and the need to afford the working class time to attend gymnasia, Cabinet approved the extension of business operating hours including those of gymnasia from 0630hours to 1830hours.
“Cabinet further approved the resumption of inter-city travel to facilitate the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors. Transporters who wish to ferry passengers should register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure that they strictly comply with Standard Operating Procedures for their sector which are compliant to the WHO guidelines and all COVID-19 regulations,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.Â
She added the Vehicle Inspection Department should also resume its services. All employees in the Tourism Sector should comply with the COVID-19 regulations as is done in all the other approved services. Only international travelers are required to provide a 48 hour negative COVID-19 certificate.
Meanwhile, in order to facilitate access to critical documentation from Central Registry during the COVID-19 induced lockdown, Cabinet has approved that the Central Registry should reopen and offer services, such as the issuance of births and death certificates, national registrations as well as passports.
“Measures are being put in place to ensure that operations at Central Registry offices which are usually characterized by overcrowding are in line with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols in order to curtail the transmission of COVID-19. Members of the public will be informed on the timelines for accessing the critical services.
“Cabinet further authorised the partial reopening of the Department of Immigration, Client Service Centre for the purpose of processing short-term investor work and student permits, issue visas at ports of entry and resume enforcement operations through the compliance section. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will be opened to allow visitors access to National Monuments that include the National Heroes Acre and National History Museum.”
