Shipping agents grateful but . . .

Tendai Chara

ALTHOUGH services offered by shipping and forwarding agents were recently classified as essential, resulting in the agents returning to work, the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) says a number of other issues concerning their work need to be addressed.

The core business of shipping and forwarding agents is the facilitation of movement of goods across borders.

Mr Joseph Musariri, the chief executive officer of the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), said there is need to facilitate their ease of movement, especially during curfew hours.

“We are grateful to Government for finally recognising our work as an essential service. However, the arrests of our members for operating during curfew hours is a thorn in the flesh,” Mr Musariri said.

Mr Musariri said the nature of the shipping and forwarding agents demands them to be present at whatever time the goods arrive at the border posts.

“Our customs clearing members are expected to be present whenever the border posts are open. With the curfew, we are forced to be at work well even during curfew time. The situation is becoming untenable.”

“We are calling upon the relevant authorities to provide us with the necessary support so that we can continue moving goods with minimal hindrance.”

Shipping and forwarding agents play an important role in the movement of goods and also in the collection of Government revenue.