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Beitbridge border gears up for traffic surge
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As the festive season approaches, Zimbabwe and South Africa's border authorities have begun implementing integrated plans to manage the anticipated surge in traffic at Beitbridge Border Post, ensuring smooth operations as traffic volumes continue to build up.
In preparation for the increase in travellers, traffic lanes at the border have been categorised into cargo, buses, pedestrians, and light vehicles to streamline movement and reduce congestion. On the South African side, additional service points have been opened to cater to the influx of travellers, while Zimbabwean authorities are also deploying measures to manage the surge efficiently.
Mr. Joshua Chibundu, the Regional Immigration Officer for the Southern Region, assured the public that border authorities are well-prepared to handle the expected traffic. During off-peak periods, border authorities process about 13,000 travellers, 1,000 commercial trucks, 120 buses, and 2,000 light vehicles daily. However, these numbers are expected to triple during the busy festive season.
"We have realised an increase in volumes of travellers, and we applaud the Government for installing the online border management system, which has significantly enhanced the efficiency of our entry and exit processes," Mr. Chibundu said.
He also cautioned travellers to avoid dealing with touts who often exploit the busy period by masquerading as officials. "The Department of Immigration does not require the services of agents or middlemen; we urge travellers to present themselves to authorised officials for customs and immigration clearance," he added.
Mr. Chibundu also advised parents to ensure that children are accompanied by authorised personnel for a smoother and safer border-crossing experience.
South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato, acknowledged the expected surge in traveller volumes, which typically leads to long queues at border posts. He assured the public that measures are in place to manage the increased traffic efficiently.
"We are aware of the increased traveller volumes, and we are working closely with all stakeholders to manage operations and reduce waiting times," Dr. Masiapato said. He also encouraged travellers to plan their journeys carefully, advising that arriving earlier than usual will help ensure smoother processing amidst the increased demand.
The BMA has deployed additional personnel to handle the surge and urged travellers to adhere to travel regulations and immigration laws. Dr. Masiapato expressed appreciation for the public's cooperation during this busy period and assured that updates would be provided as necessary.
Beitbridge's Port Health Officer, Mrs. Silibaziso Nkala, announced that thermal scanners have been installed at the border post to expedite the screening of travellers. She confirmed that all port health staff would be working throughout the festive period, with no off-days except for maternity or sick leave, to ensure the smooth flow of services.
"Travellers who require medical attention will be prioritised and those needing urgent care will be transported to the local hospital in an ambulance," Mrs. Nkala said.
The Beitbridge Border Post has undergone recent upgrades under a 17-year build, operate, and transfer (BOT) model through a partnership between the Zimbabwean Government and the Zimborders Consortium. Mr. Nqobile Ncube, the Consortium's General Manager, said a final plan crafted by various border stakeholders, including Government agencies, had been activated.
"This plan includes the deployment of additional staff, the opening of more service points, increased dissemination of travel information, enhanced security to prevent touting and illegal immigration, and the harmonisation of border controls and operations," Mr. Ncube said.
Zimborders has also launched an information centre on its website, www.zimborders.com, where the public can access general travel information. To help expedite border crossings, travellers are encouraged to use pre-clearance facilities and the electronic tip system for those travelling with foreign-registered vehicles.
With these measures in place, border authorities are optimistic that the festive season will be marked by efficient operations and minimal delays at Beitbridge Border Post.
In preparation for the increase in travellers, traffic lanes at the border have been categorised into cargo, buses, pedestrians, and light vehicles to streamline movement and reduce congestion. On the South African side, additional service points have been opened to cater to the influx of travellers, while Zimbabwean authorities are also deploying measures to manage the surge efficiently.
Mr. Joshua Chibundu, the Regional Immigration Officer for the Southern Region, assured the public that border authorities are well-prepared to handle the expected traffic. During off-peak periods, border authorities process about 13,000 travellers, 1,000 commercial trucks, 120 buses, and 2,000 light vehicles daily. However, these numbers are expected to triple during the busy festive season.
"We have realised an increase in volumes of travellers, and we applaud the Government for installing the online border management system, which has significantly enhanced the efficiency of our entry and exit processes," Mr. Chibundu said.
He also cautioned travellers to avoid dealing with touts who often exploit the busy period by masquerading as officials. "The Department of Immigration does not require the services of agents or middlemen; we urge travellers to present themselves to authorised officials for customs and immigration clearance," he added.
Mr. Chibundu also advised parents to ensure that children are accompanied by authorised personnel for a smoother and safer border-crossing experience.
South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato, acknowledged the expected surge in traveller volumes, which typically leads to long queues at border posts. He assured the public that measures are in place to manage the increased traffic efficiently.
"We are aware of the increased traveller volumes, and we are working closely with all stakeholders to manage operations and reduce waiting times," Dr. Masiapato said. He also encouraged travellers to plan their journeys carefully, advising that arriving earlier than usual will help ensure smoother processing amidst the increased demand.
The BMA has deployed additional personnel to handle the surge and urged travellers to adhere to travel regulations and immigration laws. Dr. Masiapato expressed appreciation for the public's cooperation during this busy period and assured that updates would be provided as necessary.
Beitbridge's Port Health Officer, Mrs. Silibaziso Nkala, announced that thermal scanners have been installed at the border post to expedite the screening of travellers. She confirmed that all port health staff would be working throughout the festive period, with no off-days except for maternity or sick leave, to ensure the smooth flow of services.
"Travellers who require medical attention will be prioritised and those needing urgent care will be transported to the local hospital in an ambulance," Mrs. Nkala said.
The Beitbridge Border Post has undergone recent upgrades under a 17-year build, operate, and transfer (BOT) model through a partnership between the Zimbabwean Government and the Zimborders Consortium. Mr. Nqobile Ncube, the Consortium's General Manager, said a final plan crafted by various border stakeholders, including Government agencies, had been activated.
"This plan includes the deployment of additional staff, the opening of more service points, increased dissemination of travel information, enhanced security to prevent touting and illegal immigration, and the harmonisation of border controls and operations," Mr. Ncube said.
Zimborders has also launched an information centre on its website, www.zimborders.com, where the public can access general travel information. To help expedite border crossings, travellers are encouraged to use pre-clearance facilities and the electronic tip system for those travelling with foreign-registered vehicles.
With these measures in place, border authorities are optimistic that the festive season will be marked by efficient operations and minimal delays at Beitbridge Border Post.
Source - The Chronicle
