The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani News Editor
CABINET has approved the Forbes Border Post Modernisation Project as well as the construction of a new dry port to improve efficiency in the clearing of cargo as more than 300 trucks are cleared at the port of entry on a daily basis.
At times, congestion becomes the order of the day, with long winding queues stretching for more than 10km to Mutare Polytechnic, thereby causing congestion on the Mutare Central Business District’s feeder roads.
Currently, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is operating from five different sites, thereby creating inefficiencies at the border.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona on Tuesday presented to Cabinet the Forbes Border Post Modernisation Project and it was approved.
This was confirmed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, in a Post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday.
“The nation will recall that having noted inefficiencies at the country’s border posts as a result of inadequate infrastructure, lack of automation and inadequate staffing, Cabinet resolved to modernise the ports of entry, beginning with Beitbridge.
“Currently, expressions of interest have been received from individuals and consortia willing to partner Government on the upgrading and modernisation of Forbes Border Post.
“Cabinet wishes to further advise that it resolved to enter into a partnership with Forbes Border Consortium on the design, build, operate and transfer project for a modernised Forbes Border Post, on account of the consortium’s proven track record,” she said.
The Christmas Pass Flyover Road and the construction of a new Mutare Dry Port will run concurrently with the Forbes Border Post Modernisation Project.
Christmas Pass has become a death trap over the years, with accidents involving haulage trucks being recorded almost on a weekly basis.
On Tuesday, two trucks were involved in two separate accidents at Christmas Pass, resulting in the loss of goods worth thousands of dollars. Traffic was also blocked.
Member of Parliament for Mutare South Constituency, Honourable Misheck Mugadza has since written a letter to Minister Mhona expressing concern over the accidents occurring at Christmas Pass and also asking for the implementation of the 1992 proposal for haulage trucks to use the Feruka-Grand Reef Link Road into Mutare.
“The issue of the Christmas Pass accidents have been a cause of concern for the people of Manicaland. We have witnessed haulage trucks having accidents, leading to loss of lives and property over the years.
“As a result, I saw it fit to engage the relevant authorities, especially Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, to appraise him that the road has become a death trap.
“We also asked him to revisit the 1992 proposal of a by-pass road which passes through Feruka into town. Haulage trucks should use that road,” said Hon Mugadza.
He added: “The country is developing very fast and we now have a high volume of haulage trucks plying the Mutare-Harare route because of increased trade and communication between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This has resulted in the high number of accidents being recorded at Christmas Pass.”
For the dry port project, about 75 hectares have already been identified near Grand Reef Air base.
This project seeks to create a transit economy for the country.
A dry port provides services for the handling and temporary storage, as well as the inspection and clearance of freight moving in international trade.
Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube recently said Forbes Border Post is a strategic entry point due of its proximity to the Sea Port of Beira.
Minister Ncube also said dry ports should be Export Processing Zones for the country to maximise on the transit economy.
“When we create dry ports, they will allow trading without having to cross the border into neighbouring countries. Business people do not have to go all the way to Beira or Johannesburg to buy their goods. They will do so within the Zimbabwean borders and the country will generate the much-needed foreign currency from that.
“The model we are working with will have a combination of dry ports and customer clearance points.
“We also want these dry ports to be Export Processing Zones so that we maximise on the transit economy.
“Several countries around the world have capitalised on this and are doing very well. These include Kazakhstan, which is making about US$5 billion per annum from the transit economy. Being landlocked is not a curse. It is an opportunity to explore the revenue streams that come with being landlocked. That is what we are trying to do,” said Minister Ncube.
