Finding solutions to the ongoing congestion and delays at the Beitbridge border post are high on the government’s agenda.
Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele said the operational inefficiencies had to be addressed to stem the negative impact on both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Government is extremely concerned about the congestion at our border posts, but especially at Beitbridge that is bursting at the seams,” he said. “Cabinet is looking at establishing a mechanism that will bring border posts under a single command and structures to address the fragmentation that is experienced. While one-stop border posts are the ultimate solution, this will take time.”
He said finding short-term solutions was therefore imperative. “Addressing operational inefficiencies as well as the duplication of processes is the first step.”
He said one of the major challenges with the South African border post was a legacy of the previous regime where they were built to restrict movement rather than facilitate trade. “Our borders in terms of basic design are very restrictive - flanked either by rivers, mountains or both. They are also constructed in such a way that all traffic is pushed towards a single line that just increases the congestion.”
He said finding solutions to such challenges was the first step towards improving operations.
“Our vision for the southern African region is to operate much like Europe where one can seamlessly move cargo without major hold-ups at any border post. One must however remember that it will take time to reach that point.”
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