Moz 24-hour border post still awaits approval

KEVIN MAYHEW THE UNILATERAL announcement by Mozambique’s Immigracao last week that an agreement had been reached with the South African authorities about 24-hour operations at the Ressano Garcia border post, is “definitely premature”. That's according to the body representing local affected government departments looking into the practicality of border round-the-clock services. Ressano Garcia border post is the most important trade entry point to Mozambique and its capital Maputo. Arthur Fraser, chairman of the Border Control Coordinating Committee (BCCC) – the cluster representing affected government departments dealing with the issue of 24-hour border openings – said there was still a lot of work to be done before a decision could be made. “I think in about a month’s time we might be able to give you an answer about when it will be possible to introduce the extended service, but right now it is not possible. The Mozambican announcement – and I stress we have a good working relationship with our Mozambican counterparts – was premature and might create unrealistic expectations,” he said. He added that the BCCC had restructured itself in January this year to speed up the process. As a cluster it is one of the largest, representing almost every government department, and consensus will therefore take time. Pressed for a timeframe on decision and implementation, he said he could not provide one, but it was certainly not a month or two away.