N AT I O N A L I N Q U I R Y R E P O R T ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION For Human Dignity     Poor office infrastructure was noted in some offices178, most are not electrified e.g. the Birchenough Bridge and Chatsworth sub-offices, erratic supply of electricity and frequent breakdown of RGs internet network. This greatly hindered service delivery leading to members of the public queueing with uncertainty as to whether they would be served, Lack of adequate and suitable accommodation for RG personnel 179, Cchallenges of accessing RG Offices due to long distances, transport costs and bad road networks180 and All Pprovinces highlighted a challenge with touts who operated outside the premises and misinform and sometimes misrepresent themselves as staff members, often leading to the public being misled on the requirements they need to present and loss of money to touts. office, it was highlighted that 10 officers were working in office space meant for 2 officers. There was not enough ventilation in the births and deaths section. for example, at the time of the monitoring visit, offices in Mutare at both provincial and district offices were made out of wooden cabins and the district offices were dilapidated, with wooden floors which were infested and damaged by termites, coupled with leaking roofs which threaten the security of documents 178 The ZHRC had the opportunity to inspect the housing conditions of the RGs officials at Lupane during the monitoring visits. The ZHRC noted with concern the current living arrangements where at least 5 officials are sharing a three bedroomed house, with at least two officials sharing the living room as a bedroom. Due to these conditions, officials cannot live with their families or have them visit. The ZHRC also noted with concern the bad state of the houses, which pose a threat to security and health. 179 Gatumba Farm sub-office in Mashonaland Central was also singled out as an example of a sub-office where staff members are currently working under the most difficult conditions. The sub-office is housed in an old farm house which is used as both offices and staff accommodation. Staff members have no access to water and depend on water that is delivered by the Provincial office from Bindura for all their household purposes. The only toilet available is the flash system toilet yet there is no water, the water from Bindura has to cater for ablution facilities too. The ceiling is falling. The electricity is faulty and sometimes sparks. Transport is difficult. Staff members share the farm house for accommodation and there are no schools nearby meaning that the staff at that sub office cannot live with their families. Recommendations were made for considerations for its closure. It was highlighted, for example, that Matabeleland is primarily rural and areas such as the Tsholotsho- Lupane route were reported to be discontinued by most transport providers as a result of the bad road network. 180 129 129