By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THERE is need to consider extending the border operating times to 24 hours at the Walvis Bay Corridor to boost business operations.
The major reason for establishing a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) along transport corridors is to expedite the movement of goods and people, and to reduce transport costs.
On the extension of operating hours, Walvis Bay Corridor Group Chief Executive Officer, Mbahupu Tjivikua, said there was need to extend working hours from opening at seven in the morning to seven in the evening to 24 hours.
Mr Tjivikua observed that having the border closed for 12 hours translates into lost time in business.
“We commend the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for many modernisation initiatives being put in place to make doing business easier like implementing the preclearance system which is reducing waiting times and congestion at the border,” he said recently when he paid a courtesy call to the ZRA Commissioner General, Dingani Banda.
In response, Mr Banda said ZRA was considering transitioning the Walvis Bay Corridor Group into a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) as it already had the required infrastructure.
He said ZRA was considering turning the corridor into OSBP because Katimamulilo Border Post plays a critical role in facilitating goods through the Walvis Bay Corridor.
“We need a serious engagement with partners like Walvis Bay Corridor Group and Namibia Port Authority to improve border operations and trade facilitation ,” Mr Banda said.
Meanwhile,Namibia Ministry of Works and Transport Director of Transportation Policy and Regulation, Cedric Limbo, said Government through ZRA should consider upgrading the Kipushi and Mokambo borders which are shorter routes into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The development may in turn assist in decongesting traffic at Kasumbalesa border post,” he said.
