Computerised weighbridge will address border post discrepancies

FTW1121SD Your freight partner for Normal, Abnormal and Bonded Cargo Tel: +27 11 979 1232/1245/1252 Fax: +27 11 979 1255 Email: florence@amrlogistics.co.za DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS AIR, ROAD AND SEA FREIGHT INTO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FTW3633 contact Florence Ross +27 82 324 1859 Brett +27 82 633 4897 THE TRANS-Kalahari Corridor has reached agreement on the construction of a computerised weighbridge at Pioneer Gate on the Botswana – South Africa border. Weighbridge discrepancies at Mamuno (on the Botswana – Namibia border) and Pioneer Gate were among the issues addressed at a recent meeting of TKC stakeholders. “The tender for the weighbridge has already been issued,” said Bevin Simatta of the TKC management committee (TKCMC), “and the contractor is now on-site.” The meeting also came up with a part answer to complaints from transporters that admissions of guilt and penalty fees could not be paid at night – and trucks were delayed as they waited for morning opening. “This was partly a misunderstanding on the transporters’ side,” said Simatta. “Admissions of guilt can be submitted to the police 24-hours a day, although – because customs still closes down at night – penalties can only be handled up to midnight.” But even this could soon be overcome, with the meeting also identifying that the ultimate desire is for a one-stop, 24-hour border post. “These two concepts really run together,” said Simatta, “and the next move should be a stakeholders’ meeting on a one-stop, 24-hour facility which we aim to provide prior to 2010.” The widening of the Mamuno border post entrance to handle abnormal cargo loads also came under scrutiny. “Again, we had to make clear that the post could already handle abnormal loads, provided prior notice was given – allowing the customs authorities to drop part of the fence at the border post gate,” Simatta told FTW. “But the meeting also decided that the authorities should give urgent priority to permanently widening the gate.” The TKCMC pointed out that the corridor had already proved itself, having gained more than 30% of the road traffic that previously used the traditional route via southern Namibia. “They now utilise the trans-Kalahari Corridor for trade between SA, Botswana and Namibia,” Simatta added.