mbulelo smpofu
Thupeyo Muleya, thupeyo.muleya@zimpapers.co.zw
ZIMBABWE and South Africa border authorities have begun implementing integrated plans to manage the anticipated surge in traffic at Beitbridge Border Post during the festive season with both sides rolling out measures to ensure smooth operations as traffic volumes continue to build up.
Traffic lanes have been categorised into cargo, buses, pedestrians and light vehicles to streamline movement at Beitbridge Border Post.
On the South African side, additional service points are being opened to cater for the influx of travellers.
The regional immigration officer for the Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said the border authorities are prepared to handle the increased traffic during the peak period.
During the off-peak period, border authorities clear about 13 000 travellers, 1 000 commercial trucks, 120 buses and 2 000 light vehicles daily. The figures triple during busy periods such as the festive season.
Mr Chibundu commended the Government for introducing an online border management system, which has enhanced the efficiency of entry and exit processes.
“We have realised an increase in volumes of travellers and we applaud the Government for installing the online border management system, which has enabled us to timeously facilitate entries and exits of our valued travellers,” he said.
Mr Chibundu urged travellers to avoid dealing with touts who exploit busy periods by masquerading as officials to swindle them.
“The Department of Immigration does not require the services of agents or middlemen; hence we continue to urge travellers to be wary of such people. Travellers should present themselves to an authorised official for customs and immigration clearance,” said Mr Chibundu.
“If there are challenges, please request to see the supervisors who are readily available to assist. We also urge parents to ensure children are accompanied by authorised personnel.”
In a statement, Commissioner of South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said they have noted a significant increase in the movement of people through their major ports of entry as the peak period begins.
He said the surge has resulted in long queues across their border posts.
“We are aware of the increased traveller volumes, which are normally experienced around this time. We are working closely with all stakeholders to manage operations efficiently and reduce waiting times,” he said.
“The BMA urges all travellers to plan their journeys carefully and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow sufficient time for processing. Arriving early will help ensure a smoother experience amidst the increased demand.”
Dr Masiapato said they have deployed adequate personnel to handle the situation. He urged travellers to adhere to travel regulations and immigration laws.
“The BMA appreciates the public’s understanding and co-operation during this busy period. Updates will be provided as necessary to keep travellers informed of any changes on the ground,” he said.
Beitbridge’s port health officer, Mrs Silibaziso Nkala, said thermal scanners were recently installed at the port of entry to help expedite screening travellers passing through the border post.
“As port health, we are suspending all off-days and leave, save for maternity and sick leave days since we will be screening all travellers coming through this border.
“We will be assisting those who are ill to get first preference in all services here at the port and those that need immediate medical assistance will be ferried to our local hospital in an ambulance,” she said.
The Beitbridge Border Post was recently upgraded under a 17-year build, operate and transfer (BOT) model through a partnership between the Government and the Zimborders Consortium.
Zimborders Consortium’s general manager, Mr Nqobile Ncube, said a final plan crafted by border stakeholders, including Government agencies, had been activated.
This includes the deployment of additional staff, opening more service points, increased travel information dissemination, tightening security to flash-out touts and illegal immigrants and harmonising border controls and operations.
He said Zimborders has created an information centre on its website www.zimborders.com where members of the public can access general travel information.
“Where possible, travellers are advised to use the pre-clearance facilities or make use of the electronic tip system for those who wish to travel into Zimbabwe with foreign registered vehicles, to lessen their time at the border,” said Mr Ncube.
