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Ivan Zhakata and Kudzai Muhamba
MOTORISTS have lamented delays in the issuance of number plates at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) in Harare, saying corruption is rife with officials employing touts as middlemen to solicit bribes from desperate clients.
They said the “agents” were charging them to facilitate for the provision of the number plates and seemed to be working in cahoots with some CVR officials.
There were long queues at CVR yesterday where motorists had come to collect their number plates while others were first time registrations.
Touts were roaming around the building looking for motorists who wanted them to facilitate the issuance of number plates to them.
Motorists expressed anger over the process, saying the touts were further complicating the situation.
Mr Andrew Shumbanhete appealed to Government to speed up the issuance of number plates in a transparent manner.
“Here at CVR, the process of getting number plates is very difficult. They tell you that the vehicle registration book is not in the system, but if you go to the agents outside the building, the can manage to secure your book.
“The problem here is where are these agents finding the books when they do not work at CVR.
“This is corruption and we are appealing to Government to mend the process so that we can get our number plates in time,” he said.
Another motorist, Mr Jelous Makuyo, expressed the same sentiments saying Government had made it clear that the CVR had enough number plates.
“The issuance of number plates is so pathetic. I do not know what exactly is taking place because the Government is saying the number plates are available here at CVR but the process is not clear and things are shady. There is a lot of confusion and it is so frustrating.
“I came here at 10am and I do not know if I am going to get the number plates. I heard some people saying they applied for plates in October last year, but are being told to come back next week to check if their number plates are available for collection,” he said.
Ms Chipo Tahani said: “We are tired of waiting. After all the waiting they tell us to go inside for registration then we go back outside to stand in queues again. It is a long and tiresome process.”
Another disgruntled motorist, Mr Blessing Zhombe, said CVR officials were dividing people into different queues but making no progress.
“I have just arrived but the queues I am seeing here are so disheartening. Yesterday I came and we were given number sand they will be serving people at their own pace. There will be people controlling lines but no progress.”
Mr Farai Mupambadzire said CVR had many offices but officials were not attending to people timeously.
“They can tell you that the plates are ready but they cannot find the book. These are the challenges we are facing,” he said.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona this week toured CVR and ordered CVR registrar Mr Saston Muzenda to look into the grievances raised by motorists.
He said those engaging in corruption would be dealt with in terms of the law.
Online Reporter