By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Officers from the Civil Registry Department have formally raised alarm over the unpaid mobile registration allowances for the period of June 22 to July 31, 2023. These officers, who participated in the National Mobile Registration Programme from May to July 2023, successfully completed their tasks in July but have yet to receive the promised compensation.
In a letter directed to the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the officers expressed their disappointment regarding the ongoing delays in payments, which they believe are now overdue. They highlighted that the ministry has failed to honor its commitment, providing no explanations for the lack of payment.
“The letter addressed to the Secretary of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador R. Faranisi, stated that the payments would be staggered between March and May, 2024. However, the Ministry failed to honour its promise, and no explanation has so far been given concerning the matter,” the letter stated.
The officers voiced their concerns particularly during a period when the nation is grappling with severe economic difficulties.
They pointed out that the Civil Registry is among the departments with the lowest-paid workers in the civil service, despite their unwavering dedication and hard work, and remain uncompensated for their efforts.
“Regrettably, the Civil Registry is one of the departments with lowly paid workers in the civil service despite being one of the most dedicated workforce,” noted the letter.
The correspondence further detailed that the officers received no allowances before or during the mobile registration exercise, forcing them to cover their own expenses throughout the program.
This situation has compounded their financial burdens at a time when many are already struggling to make ends meet.
The Civil Registry officers continue to await a resolution, hopeful for a timely remedy that acknowledges their service and sacrifices during the mobile registration initiative.