Customs authorities are holding back transporters travelling north through the Zimbabwe-Zambia border post of Chirundu on suspicions of smuggling resulting in the slow processing of vehicles.
According to Mike Fitzmaurice, chief executive of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), officials are being pulled out of the control zone to inspect hauliers waiting in truck parks further south.
“As a result they’re not working where they are most needed – in the control zone.”
In one instance a tanker has been held back in Zim since Friday.
“That’s absurd,” said Fitzmaurice.
“The transporter has all the necessary seals and paper work in place. It shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes to inspect and process a tanker.”
Through intermediation with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Fesarta managed to get the truck released this morning.
“We realise it’s important to curb smuggling but not to the detriment of legitimate transport. Officials should really be working in the areas where they are most needed, such as the control zone. It will help speed up processing.”
