Relaxation of Covid-19 travel restrictions for drivers by the governments of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa have seen a gradual return of traffic on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, according to Leslie Mpofu, executive director of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor (TKC) Secretariat. The volume of trucks on the corridor dropped by an average of 61% between August and December 2020, he says.As a result, a number of companies supporting the route had to close and jobs were lost.“The economies of the TKC member states, that is Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, have been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Gains that have been realised over the years in economic development sectors such as trade, environment, tourism, mining and transport have been impacted by the pandemic. “Similarly, gains that have also been achieved by the TKC Management Committee (TKCMC) in trade facilitation have also been dealt a blow.“Cov id-19 restrictions put a spanner in the work programme of the TKCMC. “Most programmes could not be executed as negotiations could not continue as member states’ focus was on addressing the spread of the virus. “Movement on the corridor was also affected as borders were open only for essential goods.” There has been an increase in traffic since member states changed from quarantining drivers to conducting PCR tests and allowing all types of cargo to move.However, there is no uniformity – in Botswana tests are valid for 72 hours, while Namibia accepts a seven-day gap between tests and South Africa 30 days (that is for truck drivers whereas for any other travellers it is 72 hours). Since December 1, 2020 Botswana has been accepting results from neighbouring countries. The country is continuing to use both PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and rapid testing at the borders for those entering or transiting the country. Namibia recently declared that it would accept rapid test results at all its ports on entry. The volume of trucks on the corridor dropped by an average of 61% between August and December 2020.– Leslie Mpofu“
