Lebombo border to open later from June 1

ALAN PEAT THE SA customs has announced extended hours at the Lebombo border post with Mozambique, according to Danie Parsons, a member of Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI) and the chairman of the Lebombo Clearing Agent’s Association (LCAA). From June 1 or even earlier commercial cargo clearing hours will be from 06:00 to 22:00 (currently 06:00 to 17:00). These will apply to all commercial cargo – and will be for an initial trial period of three-months. “The security will be enhanced around customs and the agents by special security lighting,” said Parsons. “Customs has learnt valuable lessons from the Beitbridge experience and is committed not to have a repeat at Lebombo Border.” However, despite the good news, the agents are nervous about the Mozambique customs’ compliance – and have appealed to SA customs to talk to their counterparts at Alfandegas. “This,” Parsons added, “to ensure the port customs and Frego (Tiro) operate the same hours.” He also confirmed to FTW that a R16.7-million project for the long awaited by-pass road at the border had been approved by government - and work was expected to start in the very near future.