Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya , Beitbridge Bureau
TRAVELLERS using the Beitbridge Border Post said yesterday that they are excited by the new order and efficient clearance processes.
The festive season ranks among the peak periods exerting additional strain on resources while posing security risks for travellers and communities living within the borders of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Statistics on traveller movement are regarded as an important indicator of how busy the port of entry is and how efficient authorities can cope with a surge in traffic.
Things have improved at Beitbridge following the automation and transformation of the port of entry by the Government in partnership with the Zimborders Consortium from one to three terminals at a cost of US$300 million.
Authorities are now handling dedicated traffic including commercial, buses and light vehicles and pedestrians which all have different needs.
As a result, border law enforcement departments and agencies have been successfully completing the festive period operations, with very few incidents reported.
By the end of the day yesterday, the volume of travellers going to South Africa and those entering the country was gradually increasing.
“The separation of traffic into commercial, buses, light vehicles and pedestrians is a game changer,” said a transporter Mr Blessing Matikiti.
“Efficiencies have greatly improved, people are now spending less time at the border and we are happy that most border agencies including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) have put their house in order this time.”
Mr Matikiti said although they were noting changes in the work culture at the border it was also important for travellers to carry all the necessary documents, especially those driving foreign registered vehicles to avoid delays.
A motorist who preferred anonymity said border authorities should consider revising their traffic flow system and put proper signage so that some of them are not duped by conmen.
“We are happy to see a new look border and for things to work efficiently, it will be prudent for the authorities to put proper signage and marshals at key areas so that we are not duped by conmen who pretend to want to help speed up whatever border process here,” he said.
Mr Lawrence Tagara who is based in South Africa said besides the improvement of the clearance process, the ambiance of the border had become a source of pride for Zimbabweans.
He said he spent a few minutes at the border to go through all the processes compared to the past decade where he would spend days at the border to enter the country.
“This is lovely; we have something to pride ourselves with. The processes are seamless and we are no longer spending days here because each category of traffic is getting customised services,” said Mr Tagara.
Other travellers said they had decided to come by road after hearing good stories from their friends who have used the border soon after its transformation.
“I haven’t used this border for two years, and today I realise things are changing for the better, it seems issues of congestion are going away,” said a traveller who only identified herself as MaSibanda.
The Regional Immigration officer in charge of southern region (Zimbabwe) Mr Joshua Chibundu said they had deployed enough manpower at the border post.
He said operations will be continually reviewed depending on the situation on the ground.
Mr Chibundu said on Thursday they cleared a total of 19 000 travellers at the port of entry.
During off-peak time authorities clear around 12 000 people daily and the number rises two fold especially on major holidays.
“Travellers are advised to present themselves at Immigration counters to avoid being fraudulently cleared using fake stamps,” said Mr Chibundu.
“Immigration does not require the service of an agent, so no middleman is required during our clearance processes.”
He said they were also firm on the ground with the support of the police and other border agencies to curb irregular migration south or north.
Zimborders Consortium chief executive officer, Mr François Diedrechsen said; “We are now processing large volumes of non-commercial vehicles but our (Zimborders and Government agencies) teams are all doing an incredible job in my opinion in keeping all moving smoothly and keeping crossing times as quickly as possible.”
He said transporters and travellers also need to be complemented for their co-operation with border agencies.
Under its partnership with the Government, to transform the port of entry, the consortium is managing and maintaining the border infrastructure for the next 17 years, before handing it to the former.
Zimra said in a statement that it has invested in Information, Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and deployed additional staff to the Beitbridge Border Post.
“As we approach the festive season, Zimra has put in place a number of strategies in place including deploying additional staff numbers by 15 December 2023. All leave days for Beitbridge staff have been suspended to ensure all staff members are at work and beef up the shifts,” said Zimra in the statement.
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