The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Eng. Charles Milupi has said that Zambia is making efforts to transform all its borders into One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP) to eliminate rigidities in the movements of goods and services within the region.
The Minister identified old and inadequate infrastructure as a major constraint in the actualization of the 24-hour operations at border posts.
He was speaking during a tour of the Martins Drift border post between Botswana and South Africa, which is a single lane bridge that was constructed in 1938.
“About 60% of trucks that pass at the Martinz Drift border originate from Zambia, if there is any delay here, our own cargo and services will also be affected.” The Minister said.
Engineer Milupi has since called for concerted efforts within the region to consider implementing One-Stop Border Posts for smooth flow of goods and services.
Meanwhile, Minister of Transport and Public Works for Botswana Honourable Eric Molale said the creation of OSBPs is a strategic move in responding to the needs of the electorates.
“We are aware of a number of inhibiting factors such as single lanes, non-harmonization of our border processes, and other key infrastructure,” he said.
The two Ministers while at the border post also engaged their South African Counterpart virtually who could not make it to the meeting physically.
“Our counterpart from South Africa is not here with us as they are working on their National Budget. But we have encouraged her to include some aspects of this border in the budget.”
The Ministers led a bilateral delegation to appreciate the operations at the Martins Drift Boarder post ahead of the 58th Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting (JMC) for the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority.
Hon. Charles Milupi is the lead minister for the Zambian council of Ministers for the Kazungula Bridge Authority that consist of the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu SC, and Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane.
(ORIGINAL SIGNED)
DINIWE ZULU-KAFUNDA
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSNG AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
