The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have clarified that truck delays along the corridor leading to the Beitbridge Border Post in Musina are not being caused by operations on the South African side of the border, but rather on the Zimbabwean side.
According to the two organisations, the primary cause of the delays is screening procedures and congestion at the Zimbabwean border.
“All SARS and BMA functions, including immigration processing, agricultural inspections, port health services and biosecurity controls, are operating efficiently, with systems functioning normally.
The congestion is being experienced on the Zimbabwean side of the border. According to information received from the Zimbabwean authorities, limited parking capacity at their port is contributing to the delays,” said BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi.
Mogotsi added that a high number of abnormal-load vehicles are occupying available parking space, reducing the port’s capacity to accommodate additional freight trucks.
“Furthermore, processing by clearing agents on the Zimbabwean side is taking longer than usual, which has slowed the movement of cargo across the border.
The BMA is actively engaging with its counterparts in Zimbabwe to identify and implement measures that will expedite the movement of trucks and alleviate the congestion,” added Mogotsi.
Meanwhile, some truck drivers have expressed concern that some of the goods they are transporting may expire. They have also raised fears for their safety at night due to a lack of visible police presence along the corridor.
The BMA said it appreciates the patience and co-operation of transport operators, freight companies and motorists, and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
