THE government is still consulting on infrastructural challenges at Beitbridge border post after cancelling the deal it had with Israel BBR South African Infrastructure Investment Company to upgrade the port, a senior official said yesterday.
Report by Victoria Mtomba Business Reporter
Speaking on the sidelines of the International World Customs Day commemorations in Harare, Ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation permanent secretary Tedious Chifamba said a decision was yet to be made on the contract.
“The Ministry of Finance is still to decide on the new contract. We are consulting on the way forward,” he said.
“We should see action this year and I hope to see a lot considering that the South Africans are also keen to do something at Beitbridge.”
Addressing delegates at the same event, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner-General Gershem Pasi said the government should expedite the upgrading of the border post.
“I can confirm that Beitbridge has been giving us challenges,” he said.
“All these technology innovations will not yield anything without dealing with infrastructure.”
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Pasi said there was need for separation of human and vehicular traffic at the border.
“Help us government with the proper infrastructure. We have had these plans since 2001. Now we need your concrete support,” he said.
Pasi added that at least $100 million was required for infrastructure development at the port of entry.
During the festive season, the border post handled over half a million travellers resulting in massive congestion.
Home Affairs co-minister Kembo Mohadi blamed the South African immigration officials for delays in the clearance of travellers.
