Van Niekerk stands by his statement that delays can be reduced considerably if the paperwork is ready in the driver's hands when he gets to the border
THE PRE-CLEARANCE of road transport goods at home base prior to being dispatched for cross-border carriage is ideal, but is not observed by a great deal of the operators in this country or some of the clearing agents, says Brian van Niekerk, senior superintendent of the National Inter-Departmental Structure for Border Control (NIDS).
Van Niekerk was replying this week to complaints received from Beitbridge agents that he was out of step in calling for this to be undertaken.
I have not been able to give their written complaint my full attention as I have been attending meetings in Mpumalanga and will be out of office for a few days, he said when contacted by FTW.
However, I expected I would stir up a hornet's nest when I made those statements. What we are all talking about is a matter of paperwork and how it can be speeded up. I am satisfied what I have said is taking the matter in the right direction.
I accept that no matter what is done at home base, there is still a need for truck inspection at the border where necessary. But any delay in this respect can be reduced considerably if the paperwork is ready in the driver's hands when he gets there.
I expected comebacks from clearing agents. After all, this is their bread and butter area. But while there are good ones there are others who can speed up the process. I have substantial evidence of border delays which could have been avoided.
Believe me, I will be giving this matter first hand attention when I return to office and will be available for any comments directed against my suggestions.
