Allexer Namundjembo
The chief-in-command of the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu), Petersen Kambinda, has criticised the long delays faced by truck drivers at border posts.
He blamed the situation on slow processes within the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).
Kambinda said truck drivers are spending long hours in queues because of system inefficiencies at border entry points.
“It is extremely disappointing that we have people in authority who disregard other human beings,” he told the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
Kambinda said contingency plans should be introduced whenever NamRA systems are down or operating slowly.
“Truck drivers are our unsung heroes; they are our economy movers, and it cannot be correct that such very important people in our economy are seen and treated with less dignity,” he said.
He said truck drivers play a key role in the economy and warned that disruptions to their operations could affect the country.
“If truck drivers stop operating even for one day, the whole economy shall crash. Is that what we should do for people to realise how important we are to this economy?” he asked.
Truck driver Mateus Shiwa also spoke about delays during clearance processes at border posts, especially at the Oshikango Border Post.
In a telephonic interview, Shiwa said drivers sometimes spend hours or days waiting for verification and inspection processes.
“When we reach the borders, that’s when the headache begins. We spend more time there and it drains our energy. The systems are slow, and in most cases the staff members are few,” he said.
Shiwa also criticised the lack of toilets and water at some border posts.
“You have to be prepared. If you leave the queue to go seek these things, it might be late,” he said.
He called for mobile toilets and better infrastructure for waiting drivers.
Meanwhile, NamRA chief executive officer Sam Shivute said the agency is working to resolve system-related challenges.
Shivute said NamRA is upgrading its systems as part of a broader transformation programme.
He said the previous system was outdated and had fallen behind by several upgrade versions.
“Our systems were behind by about eleven upgrade versions, and as a result the systems were not doing what they were supposed to do,” he said.
Shivute said some technical problems were expected during the transition to the new system.
“When you transition with any major system, at times the system will have its own glitches. It is for that reason that we informed the public and indicated where concerns must be addressed,” he said.
He noted that network connectivity and coordination with neighbouring customs systems, including at the Namibia-Zambia border, contribute to some delays.
Shivute said NamRA has engaged service providers such as Paratus and Telecom Namibia to address connectivity problems.
He said the new system allows documents to be submitted remotely and includes pre-clearance functions aimed at reducing congestion at border posts.
“The new system does not require documents to be lodged at the borders; they can be lodged from offices. It also has the capability of self-assessment, such as pre-clearance,” he said.
NamRA said it will continue to monitor complaints and implement solutions as part of its digital transformation programme.
