Beitbridge moves closer to one-stop status

The border post at Beitbridge between SA and Zimbabwe – this country’s main overborder route – is getting closer to its one-stop promise, according to Brian Kalshoven, MD of Beitbridge Border Clearing Agency. It has just seen an investigative visit by Barney Curtis, executive officer of the Federation of Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), Kalshoven told FTW. He was commissioned to do an assessment of the post prior to its intended change to a onestop facility. Other work at the post is also nearing completion. Said Kalshoven: “A number of the old buildings at Beitbridge have been demolished, and an extended parking area – which will help accommodate vehicles on the import route to SA – is soon due to open.” The transport control facility – situated about one and a half kilometres on the SA side of the post – is also close to opening. “Although they are still testing out the electronics there,” said Kalshoven, “it’s going to be a marvellous, state-of-the-art facility when they complete it. “Once it is finished, it will be checking all the commercial vehicles’ road service permits issued by the Road Transport Authority (RTA), and conducting vehicle roadworthiness tests for the national traffic department. “You can add to that the weighing of vehicles and checking their heights.” Kalshoven also sees it removing much of the need for the numbers of police roadblocks that currently hinder smooth traffic flow along the approach road to the post. “I reckon when the control post is finished that a truck with the correct documentation and precleared will be able to get through the post in about four hours.”