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THE movement of both human and vehicular traffic has drastically improved on the South African border with Zimbabwe following the deployment of 40 more immigration officers by that country’s Home Affairs department. The staff compliment was beefed up on Friday last week following an outcry by travellers over the slow clearance of people leaving and entering that country for the past month.
In an interview yesterday the spokesman for South Africa’s border operations and coordinating committee, Mr Calvin Mulaudzi said they had also opened up more clearing points in a bid to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
He said they had started adjusting their evening and morning shifts when the volume of traffic was relatively high.
A total of 9 000 people access Beitbridge border post per day but the number has drastically increased following the recent weakening of the South African rand against the United States dollar. The number also increases to between 25 000 and 30 000 during peak periods.
“We deployed 40 more officers at Beitbridge border post last week so that we ensure efficiency and a speedy flow of traffic entering or leaving the country.
“Zimbabwe is one of our largest trade partners and hence the need to address issues affecting free trade.
“Those who were deployed have just undergone a thorough training by the Home Affairs department with regards to facilitating a smooth flow of traffic and trade,” he said.
Mr Mulaudzi said they would deploy more officers next month when they receive a report from the team which is investigating the movement trend at the border.
He added that travellers had been grouped into various categories including those with permits, day trippers and those travelling by bus and those who would be visiting that country for more than two weeks.
Mr Mulaudzi said on average they were facilitating the entrance or exit of travellers on four points on both the arrivals and departure sides.
“The situation has improved and we will continue reviewing progress every week. We are very grateful for the support we have been getting from our Zimbabweans counterparts for the support,” said Mr Mulaudzi.
He added that they had adjusted their shift to between 26 and 30 officers.
He said previously they were operating with 20 officers on each shift.
Mr Mulaudzi said they were left with a staff shortfall when they took a number of immigrations officers for further training soon after the Easter holidays.
“Naturally the rate at which people are cleared into the republic if different from those living because of the intense processes and controls on people coming into the country since we have to account for everyone,” he said.
Online Reporter