Zim, Bots urged to establish one-stop border

ZIMBABWE and Botswana must step up implementation of cross-border infrastructural development projects aimed at facilitating regional trade which are central to the attainment of the two countries’ socio-economic goals, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Acting Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Rofina Chikava, has said.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the meeting of senior officials at the Fourth Session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) here yesterday, Ambassador Chikava emphasised the urgency of action.

She highlighted two specific projects - the Plumtree-Ramokgwebana OneStop Border Post and the Ponta Techobanine Railway Line - as key pillars of development that hold immense potential to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.

The proposed Plumtree-Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post aims to streamline customs and immigration procedures at the two countries’ shared border, reducing transit times and associated costs for businesses.

On the other hand, the Ponta Techobanine Railway Line will connect eastern Botswana to Mozambique’s ports, providing an alternative trade route for both countries and boosting regional connectivity.

“I am hopeful that this session will leap forward progress on some pending projects,” she said.

“I know this has been said many times before, in our previous sessions, but, permit me, dear colleagues, to just reiterate the urgency of establishing a one-stop border post at the Plumtree/ Ramokgwebana border post and the conclusion of the Ponta Techobanine Railway Line Project.

“You will agree with me that these projects have high-level public interest as they are designed to achieve some important development and social objectives.”

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