State deploys baggage scanners at 3 border posts to boost operations
GOVERNMENT has flagged-off three baggage scanners worth EUR 210,000 to be deployed at the Mwami, Chirundu and Nakonde one-stop border posts to streamline customs clearance processes and facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade.
The scanners, bought for the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), were procured under the Zambia Border Posts Upgrade Project (ZBPUP) supported by the European Union (EU) under the Euro 48 million 11 EDF Trade Facilitation Programme.
Permanent Secretary for Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Lillian Bwalya, at the flagging off ceremony in Lusaka on Friday explained that the scanners were meant to facilitate clearance of passengers and small-scale cross border traders.
Ms Bwalya said they were symbols of the government’s commitment to stay ahead of evolving threats and to adapt to the current challenges in the region.
She said this in a speech read by the ministry’s Director for Foreign Trade, Simon Ng’ona.
“With their advanced detection capabilities, these scanners will enable our border enforcement agencies to identify, and intercept prohibited items, including weapons, explosives, drugs, and contraband goods, with greater precision and efficiency.
“This will not only enhance the safety and security of our nation but also help us combat organised crime and disrupt illicit networks that seek to exploit our borders for their nefarious purposes,” Ms Bwalya said.
Speaking earlier, EU representative, Matthias Reusing, said the introduction of the scanners represented a leap forward in EU’s ongoing efforts to ensure seamless and secured border crossings in the COMESA region.
Mr Reusing is a Counsellor and Team Leader of the European Green Deal, Rural Development, Trade Sector at the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA.
He reminded users that the scanners could only do the work if all stakeholders ensured that they were used to their full potential and maintained and services on a regular basis.
“This is not just an investment in technology; it is an investment in our people and their capabilities. Let us all work together to make the most of this opportunity,” Mr Reusing said.
Meanwhile, COMESA Assistant Secretary General, Administration and Finance, Dev Haman, said the scanners would enable border enforcement agencies to identify, and intercept prohibited items, including weapons, explosives, drugs, and contraband goods, with greater precision and efficiency.
“This will not only enhance the safety and security of our nation but also help us combat organized crime and disrupt illicit networks that seek to exploit our borders for their nefarious purposes,” Dr Haman said.
And the ZRA acting Commissioner – Corporate Support Services, Timothy Milambo, said the scanners were a game changer in facilitating passenger clearance across Zambia.
“With this equipment in place, ZRA will work tirelessly to attain its target of reducing the average clearance time of passengers from approximately eight hours to less than an hour from the time of arrival,” Mr Milambo said.