Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
SCORES of Easter holiday travellers have hailed Beitbridge Border Post for its new wave of efficiency during the peak period.
This comes after the Government invested heavily in infrastructure development, leading to greater efficiencies at the post.
The US$300 million modernisation project, which was carried out by the Government and the Zimborders Consortium in a public private partnership, has paid off, with motorists spending less than two hours completing border formalities, down from the previous 17-24 hours they used to endure at the Border Post.
With three new terminals catering for freight, bus, pedestrians and private vehicles traffic, Zimbabwe is now open for business.
In separate interviews, the travellers said the digitisation of services has eliminated delays as the human interface between border agencies and travellers has been reduced.
Most services, including the customs clearance, immigration process and vehicle clearance have been automated, cutting on the times people used to spend at counters.
In addition, travellers are getting customised services at the freight, bus, light vehicles and pedestrian terminals.
“The digitisation of services has made life easier for most motorists and we appreciate this improvement. Provided you have the necessary documents, you no longer spend more than 30 minutes to get your vehicle processed,” said Mr Tellmore Masangudza who was travelling to Harare.
“We hope things will get better on the South African side of the border where we continue to have long delays during peak periods”.
Another motorist, Mr Gilbert Zhou travelling to Neshuro in Masvingo Province said the segregation of traffic into buses, light vehicles, freight and pedestrians has also sped up the process.
“Separating traffic permanently according to categories was a brilliant idea. You will note that we are now getting services based on our sectorial needs as opposed to the previous set up where we would all be bunched in one immigration hall for different service.”
Mr Zhou also noted that the electronic Temporary Import Permit (e-TIP) system was another game-changer, allowing travellers to submit applications online before arriving at the port of entry.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has also opened kiosks outside all the terminals to assist travellers process their goods or vehicles clearance online.
“Accessing a Temporary Import Permit has always been a headache, but this time we noticed a big change, especially that we now have Zimra officials ready to assist from the kiosks,” said a traveller who preferred anonymity.
The officer-in-charge at Beitbridge Immigration station, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer Canisia Magaya said the improved coordination between South African and Zimbabwean border authorities has also helped ease congestion.
She said prior to every major holiday the border authorities from the two nations meet and share traffic flow plans, the state of readiness and trouble shoot challenges on a real time basis.
During off-peak periods, the border handles 15 000 travellers, 120 buses, 2 100 light vehicles and 1 000 commercial trucks daily and the number doubles at peak times.
