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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau—
CARGO destined for various countries across the Sadc region is stuck at most of the country’s border posts due to a systems failure as Zimra upgrades its Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World network. The new advanced system commenced on Sunday with the tax authority citing technical challenges in its administration as it battles to restore normal online transactions.
Beitbridge Border Post, the largest port of entry in the country, is one of the most affected with cargo having reportedly been stuck on the South African side for the past five days.
Zimra confirmed the development in a statement yesterday and begged for patience from affected players while “alternative measures” are put in place to facilitate smooth movement and reduce inconvenience to clients.
Close to 15,000 haulage trucks pass through Beitbridge border going either side of the border per month.
In separate interviews, customs clearing agents and importers accused Zimra of carrying out the upgrading exercise on the clearance system without prior notification.
“Things aren’t moving at all, cargo is piling up on the South African border because the Zimra online clearing systemic is under maintenance. The problem is also affecting other ports of entry across the country. We’re appealing to Zimra so that they address the challenges as a matter of urgency,” said a customs clearing agent who preferred anonymity.
Under normal clearance system, cargo has to move to either side of the border (Zimbabwe or South Africa) after getting prior notification that the export or import papers have been processed.
Zimra’s Director of Corporate and Legal Affairs, Florence Jambwa said in a statement yesterday that the upgrading of the customs clearing system had been met with technical challenges.
“The authority is currently in the process of rectifying these challenges for normal online transactions to continue.
“Alternative measures have been put in place at all ports of entry and exit to facilitate smooth movement of cargo and reduce inconveniences to our valued clients,” she said.
“Zimra, therefore, urges its clients to approach their respective station managers for any challenges they may encounter in the movement of their cargo during this transitional period. Any inconveniences caused during this period are sincerely regretted.”
The Shipping and Forwarding Agents’ Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) chief executive officer, Joseph Musariri, said the move by Zimra to issue a public statement was long overdue.
“We welcome the statement and action by Zimra although they took their time to accept we’ve a problem. We’ve been continually engaging them over the issue. It’s very important that the teething challenges are addressed expeditiously so that we move cargo across our borders,” said Musariri.
With the new customs system any clearing agent registered with Zimra can lodge a bill of entry from anywhere in the world where there is Internet connectivity.
Communication between Zimra and the agent is now done electronically.
Online Reporter