The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) yesterday said it is bracing for a massive increase in human traffic at the Beitbridge Border during the December holiday as a significant number of Zimbabweans in South Africa have obtained permits to freely travel between the two countries.
Report by Khanyile Mlotshwa Staff Reporter A regional Zimra official, Lonto Nldovu said plans were afoot to introduce a 24-hour service at Plumtree Border Post and to open another border post in the Gwanda area.
Addressing a business breakfast meeting at a local hotel in Bulawayo, Ndlovu said the authority planned to introduce measures to minimise long queues at the country’s busiest border post.
“Coming to the festive season we are fast approaching, we would like to advise that preparations for the expected huge influx of travellers and goods have already commenced,” she said.
“A greater number of travellers are expected this year as more and more of our people have been able to secure proper documents for their stay in South Africa and, therefore, will be free to visit during that period.
“Zimra has positioned itself to be a beacon of excellence in the provision of fiscal services and facilitation of trade and travel. “In pursuit of our vision, we are in the process of putting in place a border agency single window through Asycuda World. “Under this single window, all border agencies will be connected to the workflow process through Asycuda World to ensure that the respective mandates are coordinated and streamlined. “We wish to advise that plans are underway to open this border post 24 hours in the not-so-distant future. “In line with facilitating trade, a new border post will be opened in the Gwanda area that will allow ease of travel for the people in that area.”
