Truck drivers have called on the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to extend operating hours at Chirundu’s one-stop border post where clearance of goods is now taking up to six days.
The border, shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia, currently operates for 16 hours per day - clearing an estimated 350 trucks.
A source told FTW Online that trucks heading into Zambia were spending up to six days at the border.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says it has the situation under control but transporters claim otherwise.
“It takes at least 40 minutes to just clear a scanner heading into Zambia,” the source added.
Chirundu border was one of those selected by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to facilitate the trade and free movement of goods and services amongst the regional bloc.
According to Zimra head of corporate communications, Francis Chimanda, load shedding has contributed to the delays.
“Load shedding has affected the system connectivity for ECTS (electronic cargo tracking systems) and ASYCUDA (automated systems for customs data).”
Chimanda noted that the Chirundu border was only congested during peak hour.
- Chante’ Ho Hip
