Research study into Beitbridge delays set for release

Operations at the Beitbridge border post are once again under scrutiny as the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) gets ready to launch its research study next month which highlights major operational inefficiencies and cross-border delays. A source at CBRTA told FTW that the research study had concluded that the system was inefficient, there was a lack of cooperation between agencies, the border post infrastructure was inadequate and there were too many documents and control points involved. The South African Revenue Service (Sars) said the situation had “improved significantly” since the study was conducted, he added. A transporter who wished to remain anonymous said trucks carrying a number of different products from South Africa were subjected to the longest delays at the border post at an average of two days – and up to four days during peak periods. “There are just too many steps to go through before a truck is cleared to enter Zimbabwe and then of course the whole process is duplicated again.” He said first the truck had to pass through a weighbridge, then the driver and the truck had to go through security checks, customs, truck inspections, health and immigration. Easyclear general manager, Michael Henning, noted that the biggest delays were usually caused through incomplete or incorrect documentation, not excluding customs documentation, but added that the modernisation process had addressed many of these through the implementation of the automated cargo management system (ACM) and service manager. He said additional delays were caused by sheer volumes at immigration and Customs which would only improve as the systems in place improved. Henning agreed that there were duplications when cargo cleared the South African side and moved to Zimbabwe, although there are processes in place to reduce this through systems integration. “It’s likely to be some time before the talks at ministerial level between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and other countries that border South Africa, bear any fruit,” he said. Henning added that “much progress” had been made by Sars and the Department of Transport (DoT) to alleviate the congestion and said the administration delays were now a thing of the past due to the modernisation process. He said that more needed to be done to achieve seamless flow of communication and quicker turnaround times but commented that to his knowledge the channels of communication were now open for the integration of various government departments. A spokesperson for Sars noted in an email to FTW that the new Customs Management System (CMS) had “substantially improved efficiency, productivity and service” with Sars now able to respond to requests within seven seconds. “The system has cut inspection times from eight to two hours,” she said. CAPTION Trucks waiting in line to cross the border are often subject to frustrating delays.