Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has streamlined operations at the Beitbridge Border Post as part of measures to expedite the clearance of cargo.
The development follows weeks of a standoff between Zimra and transporters over delays, with cargo spending over four days awaiting clearance at the port.
Chaos reigned supreme at the border recently after Zimra introduced the electronic cargo tracking system in line with Statutory Instrument 113. A fortnight ago, truckers ‘closed’ the border in protest over what they called shoddy service by Zimra.
A border official who requested anonymity said on Friday that the clearance of cargo had been streamlined to improve the turnaround time.
“Customs officials have separated cargo into local and transit. Prior to the latest development the clearance system was cumbersome.
“Under the new system only specified transit cargo including petrol, diesel, jet A1, all liquor, groceries — including cooking oil, washing powder, clothes, shoes and blankets, are being sealed or escorted in the absence of the electronic seals,” said the official.
According to close sources, the latest development has seen the movement of both cargo destined for regional and local markets spending less than 24 hours at the border. The official said the number of haulage trucks being escorted from Beitbridge to the next exit port has reduced to less than 10 from 40 per day.
“In addition there are now two sealing points within the border. Previously Zimra was using one point and that came with huge delays. This is a practical solution and will enhance international and regional trade. It doesn’t make sense that we delay cargo over operational issues,” said the official.
Zimra head of communications, Mr Canisio Mudzimu, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Our Beitbridge Bureau is reliably informed that a total of 300 trucks transit to countries north of the Zambezi River daily. In addition another 600 heading for the local market use the same port of entry per day. A total of 76 000 trucks in transit used Beitbridge border post in 2016.
Chairperson of the Beitbridge Transporters Association, Mr Osbert Shumba, said the movement of cargo had drastically improved.
“We have noted some positive developments in the turnaround time of cargo, though we are yet to get an update from Zimra on the latest developments,” he said.
Government this year introduced the electronic cargo tracking system to reduce incidents of transit fraud. Transit fraud results in situations where importers declare that goods are in transit (removal in transit –RIT) to neighbouring countries yet the cargo is offloaded in Zimbabwe.
The worst affected goods include those genetically modified, fuel, washing powder, cooking oil, flea markets wares, among others.
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