Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimborders Consortium managing the newly-transformed Beitbridge port of entry as part of its 17-and-a-half-years concession with the Government, has said it is experiencing a significant surge in light vehicle traffic this festive season.
During off-peak periods, the border typically processes around 300 light vehicles daily, but this number has risen to approximately 1,300 vehicles as holidaymaker’s flock to their destinations.
The increase in traffic is attributed to the festive season, with Zimbabweans and travellers from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique passing through Beitbridge.
The Government upgraded the border post at a cost of US$300 million under a private public partnership with the Zimborders Consortium which funded the civil works, with the former offering land and technical services.
Under the arrangement, Zimborders Consortium is managing the facility for the duration of the concession before handing over the infrastructure to the Government.
To manage the influx, authorities have implemented an integrated traffic-flow management system, permanently separating traffic into categories for buses, light vehicles, freight, and pedestrians. This has significantly reduced congestion and waiting times.
Speaking during the three-day working visit by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara who was accompanied by Matabeleland South Minster of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Zimborders Consortium general manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said operations had been improving in the last three years.
“What has been happening for the past two days is that we have noticed an increase in light vehicles. These are important to us because they are our visitors and family members coming back for the holiday who have been on the road for a very long time,” said Mr Ncube.
“It is our desire that they spend the least time on the ground and from a Zimborders perspective we have put out our system to ensure the three terminals are permanently staffed to attend to all challenges timeously.
“So far, we have not encountered any glitch that has been averse to operations. We are so grateful for the presence of the two ministers of Tourism and Hospitality (Barbara Rwodzi) and Minister Albert Nguluvhe. This gives a political weight to border processes that we are looking at”.
In his remarks, Minister Nguluvhe commended the Beitbridge border agencies for improving on service delivery and also encouraged them to have bilateral engagements with the South Africans to ensure they facilitate the flow of traffic on the same wavelength.
He said the current situation where traffic was flowing on one side and delaying on the other side should be a thing of the past.
The minister said exchanging notes through the inter-border management committee was critical to drive efficiencies at the country and Sadc’s busiest land borders.
“We are happy with what we are seeing on the ground. There is a great coordination among border agencies at Beitbridge. This is the kind of service delivery we expect across the ports of entries to boost tourists’ arrival,” said Minister Rwodzi.
“The Department of Immigration as the first point of call at the border has done well and we are happy that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has also opened more service points and kiosks to assist motorists applying for Temporary Import Permits for foreign-registered vehicles.
“This whole Government approach is being affected here and very efficient. There are still many people coming into the country and vehicles and through interrelations the processes have been streamlined to deliver efficiency to our visitors. We are also having a team from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality carrying out the meet and greet programme that includes welcoming visitors and assisting with related travel issues”.
