Botswana is currently seeing significant developments at its borders, including the expansion of the Pioneer Border Post and the establishment of a one-stop border post (OSBP) at Mamuno.
According to Leslie Mpofu, executive director of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS), these projects are ongoing and will benefit the movement of trade significantly once completed.
“At Pioneer, the expansion includes the development of staff housing and the upgrade of the terminal building.
"The project is well advanced and expected to be completed soon,” he told Freight News.
“These upgrades are part of a long-agreed plan designed to improve border infrastructure.”
He said the development of an OSBP between Namibia and Botswana at the Trans-Kalahari and Mamuno border posts was an exciting development for the region.
“There has been some slight delay with contractors on site but we are hoping to see the process move slightly faster and that it will be a one-stop border before the end of the year.”
The initial May 1 implementation date was revised, and while hopes are high for an announcement in July, no firm confirmation has been given by either of the two countries involved.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has been collaborating closely with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service and implemented a time release study (TRS) at the border in January this year, a significant step for the development of the OSBP that will ultimately enhance Botswana’s trade facilitation and economic progress.
- Read the full article in our Freight Features edition on "Namibia".
