Passenger growth adds pressure to calls for one-stop border post

ALAN PEAT
IMPROVING ECONOMIC links between SA and Mozambique have seen phenomenal growth in cross-border traffic, but this also puts border post officials into stress mode, and overstrains the obsolete infrastructure and procedures, according to Brenda Horne, CEO of the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI). “This increase in passenger traffic is a very clear indication of the urgent need for the implementation of an effective “one-stop border post” – with the necessary infrastructure, systems, and staff to ensure that each and every traveller is facilitated timeously and in a dignified manner.” It should be designed to ease congestion on the passenger side of the border – a problem which in turn has a serious impact on freight movement, according to Horne. Next thought in mind, she added, is the upcoming Easter holidays – with the two long week-ends of April 6-9 and April 27-29 in particular in focus. The first planning meeting for all the stakeholders – including a representative cross-section of both public authorities and business – has taken place, and get-togethers are intended to continue on a bi-weekly basis until April 2, said Horne. “We will then have a review meeting on May 21, since large numbers of passengers are again expected over the Easter festival. “Although the MCLI strategic focus is on the movement of freight, we acknowledge that the movement of passengers through our border does impact on the movement of freight – and we are therefore committed to being a participating stakeholder in these planning meetings.” MCLI will release the final plan and extended border opening hours, once these have been finalised.