All 19 are ready for action
A SIX-WEEK long operation to have all 19 land border posts in South Africa fully up and running has proved successful, says Brian van Niekerk senior superintendent of the National Inter-Departmental Structure on Border Control (NIDS).
I think we can take a pat on the back, he told FTW when disclosing that his department had provided accommodation, offices, warehouses and paved areas to comply with demands at all 19 posts in a six-week spell.
It has taken some doing. Take Kosi Bay for instance. There was nothing there six weeks ago. In that time we have had housing and offices built there for the departments that require them.
In fact, there were 10 of the 19 stations which needed immediate attention, and this was forthcoming. We built a total of 45 houses, offices, warehouses, bonded stores and security in all of these. Now all three departments, customs, police and immigration have been able to settle in.
At Komatipoort the general public have already seen the difference.
During the Christmas period the waiting line was reduced from 14km to 5km. We have diverted all heavy trucks to the old airport building and control is going far better. It was all done without compromising the work of any of the departments.
One aspect still under consideration is that of the non-stop plan.
This has definite merits, but although we are getting a good response from neighbouring countries, the full meaning of one-stop is not understood. There is a learning process to go through here before it can be fully implemented, he said.
Next up are a number of plans for the posts. Van Niekerk is reluctant to reveal these at this stage but claims that matters are proceeding so rapidly that 'every fortnight will bring about changes.'
By Leonard Neill
