Andrew
Debra Matabvu
Workers at the Registrar-General’s Office are now working double shifts to clear the passport backlog, which presently stands at 225 747.
Production of civic documents is being affected by shortages of consumables.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services that the increased working hours will help improve the situation.
“The introduction of the double shift working programme is with effect from 26 April 2021. The programme consists of the day and night shift. The night shift operates from 8pm to 4am whilst the day shift operates from 8am to 4pm,” he said.
“The two shifts will be working five days a week excluding weekends. The strategy is aimed at clearing the passport backlog. With the introduction of the double shift working programme, my ministry will be in a position to produce between 4 000 and 4 500 passports a day. The expected daily output for the day shift will be between 2 000 and 2 500 whilst the expected output for the night shift will be 2 000.”
Online Reporter