‘Victoria Falls border to handle rail cargo only’

IMPORTS and exports of commercial cargo at the Victoria Falls border will only be through rail and not road transport, says Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Topsy Sikalinda, said all commercial cargo intended for import and export using road would have to use alternative entry or exit points such as Kazungula or Chirundu.

He said the measures which came into effect at the beginning of this year were meant to preserve the Victoria Falls Bridge and also bring sanity to Livingstone, Zambia’s tourist capital.

The measure, he explained, was also meant to reduce human animal conflict around the border area where truck accidents had been recorded.

“Please note that non-commercial cargo or vehicles below 16 tons will still be allowed to use the border post. The border remains available for use to all hawkers, individual traders and tourists,” Mr Sikalinda said.

He urged the business community to note that the limited facilities at Victoria Falls Border Post were not designed to handle commercial cargo.

“Over the years, trade volumes have increased in the region hence creating challenges for border officials who are unable to conduct detailed physical inspections due to limited space and other requisite handling facilities at the border post.

“In addition, due to the location of the border post in the national park, there has been an increase in animal and human conflict of late. The Authority further advises the business community to familiarize themselves with the Statutory instrument No. 115 of 2020 and the Eighth Schedule of the SI,” Mr Sikalinda said.