New wood treatment laws raise concern in Zimbabwe

KEVIN MAYHEW THIRTEEN YEARS since the launch of Beitbridge Border Clearing Agency (BBCA), the company today has representation in South Africa and Zimbabwe at Beit Bridge, Komatipoort and Golela, and a staff complement of 48. And while managing director Brian Kalshoven has seen a decline in trade volumes to and from South Africa, which has mirrored the decline of the Zimbabwean economy, there has been growth from Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi. “But the fuel crisis in Zimbabwe makes it difficult to operate through the country,” he says. Today, from his office at the Beit Bridge border post, he can reminisce about the days when the company operated from a caravan in the heat and dust. Now there are three truck parks catering for the needs of drivers, but he still maintains that it is one of the toughest routes for any driver. “It has got easier, but it is still tough for them. We try to make it as comfortable as possible, but once they pass through the border onto the Zimbabwean side there is very little there for them,” he explains. One looming problem emerging from Zimbabwe involves the treatment of wooden pallets. Unless these are strictly monitored according to international standards, goods will be turned back at foreign ports. “I do not know who is going to monitor that on the Zimbabwean side, so there could be problems in the future,” he told FTW.