Niël Terblanché
The weighbridge at the Katima Mulilo border post will commence with 24-hour operations from 1 April.
This decision was approved by the Cabinet to streamline the flow of heavy transport trucks between Namibia and Zambia and address the persistent congestion at the border post.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, presented a proposal to the Cabinet that encompassed both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance efficiency at this port of entry.
Among the short-term interventions is the implementation of documentary pre-clearance procedures.
According to the Mutorwa, this approach ensures that all necessary documentation is processed before trucks arrive at the border, thereby reducing waiting times and expediting the clearance process.
Additionally, the introduction of Clearing Agent Rules, which should be gazetted under the Customs and Excise Act of 1998, must seek to standardise and regulate the activities of clearing agents, further facilitating smoother operations.
Recognising the importance of collaboration, the Cabinet has also endorsed the establishment of an Association of Truck Drivers.
According to Mutorwa’s submission, this body will serve as a platform for dialogue between various border agencies and truck drivers, ensuring that issues affecting the effective clearance of goods are promptly addressed.
Diplomatic engagements with Zambia are underway to remove existing processing restrictions, aiming for a more seamless cross-border experience.
Long-term strategies submitted by the minister include the government’s plan to conduct a Joint Time Release Study to identify and address bottlenecks contributing to the congestion.
The implementation of an Inter-Agency Standard Operation Framework on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) in Namibia is also on the agenda, promoting cohesive operations among various stakeholders.
The border post commenced 24-hour operations in August 2023.
