By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Long distance truck drivers have raised concerns over delays in clearing them at the Beitbridge border post, a situation that has seen them queuing for hours and some cases days stuck in the queue on the Zim side of the Beitbridge Border post.
Ziyah News Network witnessed the long queue and spoke to some drivers who voiced their frustrations.
“As a person, I need sanitation, but there are no toilets nearby this road and also the boom gates at Border rely on network, if the network fails no truck can move, even you have been cleared,” said one of the drivers speaking on condition
Another truck driver said “Delays are normal, but this queue isn’t moving. I joined at 05:00 o’clock and now its 10:00 o’clock five hours later, I’ve only moved 1 kilometer which is not good.”
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) said, “Southbound trucks without complete clearance documents are entering Beitbridge Border Customs control zone parking for lengthy periods, taking up space for trucks already processed and thereby creating unnecessary congestion and bottlenecks at the Border.
Furthermore ZIMRA advised that only properly cleared trucks ready for release shall join the Queue and allowed into the control zone with immediate effect.
“All trucks are therefore, directed to park at truck stops until their documentation is ready, and thereafter proceed to the border control zone for release and departure.”
The Revenue Authority also warned that trucks found parked within the control zone prematurely, or joins the queue without complete clearance of documents shall be levied with appropriate fines.