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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE recent introduction of the electronic temporary import vehicles permits (eTIPs) by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), including the separation of traffic lanes has helped ease the traffic congestion at the modernised Beitbridge Border Post.
For years, Beitbridge Border Post has been synonymous with congestion during peak periods resulting in travellers spending days in queues waiting to be cleared.
This was largely attributed to poor infrastructure and inadequate human resources to handle increased seasonal traffic.
The use of the pre-clearance system for cargo has also helped reduce hours spent by haulage truck drivers at the border while waiting to be cleared. In the past, truckers would spend days in the queues, but with the new pre-clearance system, they are now spending only three hours.
Under the current customs standard operation procedure (SOP), motorists entering the country driving foreign registered vehicles are required to initiate the clearance process online before arrival at the border post.
Upon arrival, they then acquit the details using an online-generated reference number, which is then checked for compliance purposes.
The border clearance process has helped cut time spent at the border post depending on the availability of all the requisite documentation.
The light cross-border transporters commonly known as omalayitsha are getting eTIPs valid for 90 days instead of the usual 30 days. This allows them to enter and leave the country multiple times with minimal challenges.
However, ordinary motorists are still getting the normal 30 days.
In an interview yesterday, Zimra commissioner for customs and excise, Mr Batsirai Chadzingwa said they have embraced digitisation in their services to enhance efficiency.
“It is pleasing to note that many travellers are now embracing the use of our digital platforms, which has helped in terms of improving the flow of traffic at Beitbridge Border Post and other land borders,” he said.
“On the commercial side, the pre-clearance system is also doing wonders as we are now able to clear all trucks arriving at the ports of entry in less than three hours. To speed up the flow of traffic at the border, we have opened mores service points to cater for all types of traffic and deployed adequate manpower.”
Mr Chadzingwa said they also created dedicated counters for those arriving at the port with processed eTIPs including those yet to start the processes at the border.
He said the separation of traffic has helped tackle congestion following an increase in the volume of traffic ahead of the Christmas holiday.
Mr Chadzingwa urged those arriving in foreign registered vehicles to utilise the eTIPs system to avoid delays at the border.
“We also want to thank the Government for upgrading Beitbridge Border Post, which has helped to improve our capacity to facilitate regional and international trade through the separation of traffic. That separation has contributed a lot to improved service delivery on our part considering the huge volumes of traffic we are handling now,” he said.
Mr Chadzingwa said the new order of business has improved their capacity to collect revenue from import and export levies following a reduction in the number of intrusive leakages.
He said they have also intensified issues around compliance with Covid-19 operational procedures to minimise the recurrence of infections during the holiday period.
Travellers lauded Zimra for introducing the eTIPs platform, saying it has helped reduce criminality at the border during peak periods.
“We are happy to note that this new eTIPs platform has eliminated the use of conmen who used to dupe many motorists pretending to be helping them process the TIPs. This time, I was able to process my documents in a clearly defined procedure,” said Miss Charity Muza.
A visitor, Mrs Juliet Maluleke said she was impressed with the operations at the border post.
Mr Gracious Moyo said: “This is a good investment that our Government has done in terms of the services, buildings, ablution facilities, roads and general outlook of the border post.”
Ms Elizabeth Chibvuri said although the eTIP system is a smart move by the Government, there is need to increase awareness on the availability of the platform. — @tupeyo
Online Reporter