Source: The Chronicle – Breaking news
Thupeyo Muleya, thupheyo.muleya@zimpapers.co.zw
THE country’s border authorities have said they are well prepared to handle the expected increase in traffic over the Easter holidays later this month.
This year’s Easter starts on Good Friday, on March 29 and ends on April 1.The Beitbridge Border Post now features three terminals, catering for freight, buses and private vehicles and pedestrian traffic, following its US$300m transformation.
The number of travellers passing through the post is expected to rise in the coming weeks, with 52 000 travelling over last year’s Easter period.
An average 12 000 travellers use the border post at off peak, and peak periods see that number increasing to about 20 000.
Regional Immigration Officer-in-Charge of Beitbridge, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said that they had adequate manpower to handle the increase and urged travellers, to ensure they have all necessary documents with them.“Following the recent deployment of additional staff and the separation of traffic into the three terminals, we anticipate to have no problem in the clearance of large volumes of traffic associated with Easter holidays,” he said.
“We have cancelled leave days so that we have all hands on the deck. In fact, there will be a standby team to ensure that we have adequate staff in the event that large volumes of travellers approach the border.
“Travellers are as usual encouraged to avoid side dealings. They must note that immigration counters do not require the use of agents.”
Mr Chibundu said those travelling with children should ensure that they have all the relevant documents.
He encouraged parents to stop handing their minor children to bus conductors and omalayitsha (often referring to cross border transporters), since the security of their children is not guaranteed.
Zimborders Consortium chief executive officer, Mr Francois Diedrechsen, said they will use the same systems, which were carried out in December.
“We are ready and will use the same plans implemented during the festive season, whereby there is some additional staffing planned for the vehicles and bus terminals (this is where Easter traffic generally picks up and not really at the commercial section),” he said.
“Working together with some border agencies, we will be utilising some additional temporary clearance areas in the parking facilities, which will only be used during peak hours if so required.”
The transformation of the Beitbridge Border Post is a significant achievement for both the Government and the Zimborders Consortium.
The investment of US$300 million has resulted in the construction of three terminals, catering for freight, buses, private vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
This will greatly enhance the efficiency of the border, making it easier for people and goods to move between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The 17 and half years’ public-private partnership deal between the Government and Zimborders Consortium has proven to be a successful model for infrastructure development.
It is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can be used to drive economic growth and development in Zimbabwe.
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