One-stop Beitbridge border 'soon a reality'

Beitbridge, the nightmare of many a transporter in southern Africa, is set to become a one-stop border post sooner rather than later. This was the promise by Mvikeli Ngcamu, chief director of the Department of Transport’s Integrated Transport Planning (ITP) unit, who told delegates at the annual Road Freight Association (RFA) conference at the Wild Coast Sun last week that greater harmonisation and more one-stop border posts were the only solution to the challenges experienced when moving cargo crossborder. “We know of the struggles – especially at Beitbridge border post – and of the long delays that are experienced there that drive up costs. We have recently completed a study around what can be done there to optimise the turnaround time of trucks,” he said. “The study is clear in that it calls for a one-stop border post and we are hoping to kick-start that very soon and see this become a reality.” He said the study, its results and recommendations were in the process of being presented and approved by the DoT’s executive management before it would head for the minister’s desk. “The process has been slow but we believe since the same minister has been chosen for transport that we are going to turn these documents around faster and eliminate some of the uncertainties that existed.” He said talks with Zimbabwe and other responsible parties were set to start sooner rather than later as there was general consensus that a solution for Beitbridge was needed. “The DoT is also working very closely with its counterparts in our neighbouring countries to ensure we have harmonised standards in place for the SADC region,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION Study completed on what can be done to optimise the turnaround time of trucks. – Mvikeli Ngcamu