24-HOUR ECONOMIC REALITY

GOVERNMENT must be commended for starting a 24-hour operating module at Kasumbalesa border beginning with passenger clearance.

We have no doubt that this will please cross border traders especially for it will greatly reduce their overhead costs.

For instead of being made to stay in lodges as they wait to clear the border formalities if they arrive late, they are now assured of crossing at any hour of the day.

Although delays still remain for transport firms, it is encouraging that their plight is being looked into as well.

Government through the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has increase operating hours for passenger clearance at Kasumbalesa Border Post in Chililabombwe from 18:00 hours to 24:00 hours.

This was disclosed by the ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Oliver Nzala said in an interview with Millennium TV, that the revised working hours are with immediate effect both on the Zambian and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sides.

“Operating hours at Kasumbalesa border post have been revised from 18:00 hours to 24 hours with immediate effect. Now at the same time, the two revenue authorities or administrations are also putting in place mechanisms to ensure that commercial cargo operation hours also in terms of the operating hours, are revised.”

It is good that the two governments are working together to ensure that operations at the busy border crossing are improved.

It does not augur well for transporters to have their trucks marooned at the border post for days on end for this increases the cost of doing business. No one wants this.

The congestion experienced at Kasumbalesa border post has been a thorn in the flesh for the government as the line of uncleared trucks stretch as far as Chambishi.

Obviously this is quite an inconvenience for the drivers as they are not able to access ablution facilities along the roads, let alone water for cooking and drinking.

According to Mr Nzala, the two governments at their March 6, 2023 meeting resolved to try and find solutions to some of the challenges that are faced at the border.

And among the commitments that were made and resolutions was to ensure that the border goes 24 hours in terms of passenger clearance and commercial cargo, Mr Nzala said.

He said the two revenue administrations would continue working out mechanisms to increase operating hours for commercial cargo clearance in due course.

“There were many other resolutions that were agreed upon including infrastructure at the same borders so to that effect Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi mechanisms are also being put in place to ensure that even those three borders go 24 hours in terms of operating.

But while Government is trying to improve operations at Kasumbalesa, it must also ensure that the Chirundu border post also gets an upgrade in operating hours.

If anything, the border crossings – Kasumbalesa, Chirundu, Kazungula, Nakonde and Mwami – which are key trade routes should all be operating 24-hour shifts.

Moreover, the increased incomes from these border crossings will enable the government recoup the money spent on improving the facilities.

These border posts have all been upgraded to one-stop border posts hence it makes economic sense to ensure they start operating 24 hours for they have all the facilities.

That is ensuring a 24-hour economy becomes a reality.