Border delay solutions ‘critical’

Border congestion is probably the biggest challenge facing the road transport industry at present, according to Hashim Ismail, CEO of Semwat Transport. Pointing to the example of the Kazungula Ferry which connects Zambia and Botswana, he said trucks sometimes had to wait between seven and 15 days to cross the border. “It is a logistical nightmare.” But despite the problems, business has been on the up for the company, which specialises in bulk and abnormal loads to sub-Saharan Africa. “We’ve seen growing volumes in the mining sector – machinery in particular – while the construction sector is also booming due to an increase in infrastructure spending in many of the countries in the region.” But, he said, in light of volume increases it was imperative that solutions be found to the clearance time at borders. “Construction of a bridge over the Zambezi River at Kazungula is in the pipeline and that’s encouraging. Finding long-term solutions that will see delays at border crossings decrease is very important. We have to clear cargo faster and more efficiently.” Transport, said Ismail, was much like the blood in the human body. If there is one vein that is blocked the entire body suffers – likewise with efficient delivery. It is so important to keep our trucks moving for the development of our economy,” he explained. “In this regard it is not just about border crossings, but also maintaining roads. The maintenance of our road network in South Africa is not too bad, but there are places in Zambia and Mozambique for example where the road network is horrendous. There are potholes the size of cars that truck drivers have to manoeuvre past. In light of the many taxes, permits, fees and other monies paid by the road transport industry it becomes questionable why maintenance of the road network is not taking place.” Ismail said as more projects were taking off there was undoubtedly a bigger demand for transport into southern Africa. “We are increasing our fleet to ensure we have the capacity to service the demand, while we are also working on developing new routes,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION We’ve seen growing volumes in the mining sector – machinery in particular – while the construction sector is also booming. – Hashim Ismail