Range of initiatives speeds traffic flow on Trans Kalahari Corridor

Trade facilitation is top of the agenda for the Trans Kalahari Corridor Group (TKC) as it vies for its share of the increasing volumes moving from Gauteng to Namibia, Botswana and Angola. “More and more shippers are realising the cost-saving benefits of using an alternative routing – and we have been involved in a number of initiatives to further streamline border procedures,” says TKC’s executive director Bevan Simataa. Border hours have been extended from 22:00 to 24:00 and 24-hour border operations are currently under consideration. “Discussions are at an advanced stage and it could happen any time,” Simataa told FTW. “But it needs to be carefully assessed. You don’t want to put resources there unless you’re sure they will be used 24 hours.” Another key issue is the one-stop border concept. “We’ve concluded a feasibility study and are keen to begin implementation at the Botswana – Namibia borders of Mamuno and Trans Kalahari,” said Simataa. The first bilateral meeting between the two countries will be held shortly to establish the legal framework for the one-stop border concept as well as conclude bilateral agreement on a range of administrative issues. “For example, with officials of one country working in another country, details of how to share costs of an administrative nature need to be resolved. “The Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has come on board and agreed to support implementation – so once we have the OSBP Legal Framework and Bilateral Agreements packaged they’ll expedite JICA’s technical assistance and support the practical issues like training of staff and putting systems together. “We are determined to ensure that we put it forward as soon as possible,” said Simataa. The TKC is also looking at interfacing Customs systems along the corridor. “The originating office will key in your declaration and that information will be sent through to other borders so that when you arrive there they will just convert it. It will cut down significantly on duplication of paperwork.” At the moment, they’re looking for a connectivity solution. All the groundwork has been done and a connectivity solution has been identified. “Once formal agreement between the Customs administrations of Botswana and Namibia has been jointly endorsed, it will be introduced,” said Simataa. The USAID Southern Africa Competitiveness Trade Hub is providing technical assistance for the system and many other initiatives. Client Service Charter In the interests of aligning service standards along the corridor, a Client Service Charter has been developed and adopted for implementation. “This would service the entire corridor – Namibia, Botswana and South Africa – and would involve standard operating procedures for all agencies, public and private sector,” said Simataa. “We’re finalising the finer details and hope to launch in February next year. The charter will cover the agencies responsible for Customs, immigration, weighbridges, transport, port, police and the like. The Gauteng market is key for the TKC, says Simataa. “With the many interventions designed to facilitate transport on the route, we are confident of attracting increased volumes from this lucrative market.”