Ports Authority tasked to develop, run border posts

Prosper Ndlovu Deputy News Editor
CABINET has approved the setting up of a Ports Authority tasked with the running all the country’s entry and exit points under the aegis of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, yesterday said the new entity would take over the development and management of border posts across the country.

“My ministry will soon take over the management of all the country’s exit and entry points following approval by Cabinet to set up a Ports Authority under the Ministry of Transport,” he told Chronicle.

“This will be a parastatal responsible for the administration of all ports of entry. Previously the management of ports of entry was fragmented and done by different departments such as Zimra, Immigration and Public Works.”

Dr Mpofu said setting up of the new authority was a modern way of enhancing the smooth running and development of ports of entry.
“The ports of entry will now be run by one ministry which will enhance accountability. It will also improve operations as management of fixed assets will be done by one organisation. The new authority will deal with all the challenges and smooth running of ports of entry,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said all processes towards setting up the new organisation had been completed. He said other departments working at the ports of entry would continue with their work.

“Other sister departments such as the police, Immigration and Zimra will continue with their work,” he said.
A senior immigration official who could not be named for professional reasons said they had been notified of the development.

“We are aware of the development and we understand the Ports Authority comes in to look after the management of infrastructure at the ports of entry such as border posts and airports. However, departments that operate there will remain,” said the official.

Last year government also transferred the collection of toll fees from Zimra to Zinara which falls under the Transport Ministry.