Self-regulation vital to avoid cost increases

Self-regulation of the
transporting industry in east
and southern Africa is a
critical imperative if the industry
is to move forward and avoid
further unnecessary cost increases,
Barney Curtis, executive director
of the Federations of East and
Southern Africa Road Transport
Associations (Fesarta), told FTW
the impact of non-tariff barriers
had led to a stalemate in the
regions as authorities continued to
introduce restrictive and punitive
legislation which in turn led to a
dramatic rise in costs.
“The authorities in developing
countries cannot effectively
enforce the legislation and it is
imperative that the industry
workes with authorities to benefit
the region.
“Self-regulation is vital for this
industry and must not be seen as
just another form of enforcement.
Non-tariff barriers are creating
havoc and we believe that selfregulation
is one of the solutions
to their removal.”
One example Curtis cited was
the 38 weighbridges and check
points on the 1000km stretch of
road between Dar Es Salaam and
Tunduma which carries about 200
trucks per day.
“At Beitbridge border post we
are seeing more inspections being
carried out than necessary – and
all of this is leading to transporters
being delayed more and more. As a
result trade facilitation suffers and
costs continue to increase.”
Curtis says that the Road
Transport Management System
(RTMS), a private sector initiative
for self-regulation is to be piloted
along the Trans Kalahari Corridor
between Walvis Bay and Gauteng.
“The Trans Kalahari Corridor
Management Committee agreed
to pilot the system on their
corridor and meetings have
been held to agree on a way
forward,” said Curtis. “The three
Customs authorities involved have
expressed their interest in the
RTMS and are working out how
to incorporate it into the South
African accreditation system.”
Curtis said the system would be
marketed to role-players across
southern Africa to get as much
buy-in as possible. “This is not
just more enforcement by other
authorities. It needs the buy-in of
the entire industry.”
It is vital that it is not seen as
another “big stick” by authorities.
If it is, the industry will not
co-operate.
“Individual attempts such
as that of the Tanzania Truck
Owners’ Association which gives
its reputable members stickers are
worthwhile, but the system can
be abused. We believe that selfregulation
through the RTMS is a
way of ensuring compliance by the
industry across the region.”