News / National
Govt called to upgrade border post systems
15 Oct 2020 at 16:33hrs | Views
AUTHORITIES at Plumtree Border Post have called for the adoption of innovative border management systems to improve security as the country prepares to re-open its borders.
Briefing the Home Affairs and Security Services Parliamentary portfolio committee on Plumtree border post operational challenges and its preparedness to re-open, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer in charge of Plumtree, Blessing Marwa said the port of entry management system is now outdated.
He emphasised the importance of adopting ICT-based management processes to strengthen security and safety mechanisms as the nation prepares to re-open its borders under the new normal.
"Traffic has reduced by 98% since pronouncement of the lockdown, from the 2500 daily average to 40 travellers. We are proposing that ICT based processes be introduced. This will reduce interaction and also do wonders for our security," he said.
Besides the technical challenges, Marwa highlighted that the general conditions of service at the border post are deplorable.
"We are responsible for receiving people but our conditions of service are not pleasing. Our offices are dilapidated."
In response, the Acting Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Retired Brigadier General Kallisto Gwanetsa promised an urgent response.
"These issues will be taken up. Immigration officers are also frontlines you are the image of the country. We are going to do justice and ensure all the challenges are addressed," he said.
Plumtree border post links Zimbabwe and Botswana and serves 2 500 travellers on a daily basis. However, movement of travellers has dropped by 98% to an average of 40 travellers per day due the Covid-19-induced lockdown
Briefing the Home Affairs and Security Services Parliamentary portfolio committee on Plumtree border post operational challenges and its preparedness to re-open, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer in charge of Plumtree, Blessing Marwa said the port of entry management system is now outdated.
He emphasised the importance of adopting ICT-based management processes to strengthen security and safety mechanisms as the nation prepares to re-open its borders under the new normal.
"Traffic has reduced by 98% since pronouncement of the lockdown, from the 2500 daily average to 40 travellers. We are proposing that ICT based processes be introduced. This will reduce interaction and also do wonders for our security," he said.
"We are responsible for receiving people but our conditions of service are not pleasing. Our offices are dilapidated."
In response, the Acting Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Retired Brigadier General Kallisto Gwanetsa promised an urgent response.
"These issues will be taken up. Immigration officers are also frontlines you are the image of the country. We are going to do justice and ensure all the challenges are addressed," he said.
Plumtree border post links Zimbabwe and Botswana and serves 2 500 travellers on a daily basis. However, movement of travellers has dropped by 98% to an average of 40 travellers per day due the Covid-19-induced lockdown
Source - ZBC
