System hiccups stall 24-hour operation

Delays of implementation systems that enable seamless transition have stalled 24-hour operation at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The newly launched Kazungula Bridge Authority had earlier announced that the 24-hour operation would begin April 1, following a directive from Presidents Advocate Duma Boko and The Authority’s executive director, Mr Mukela Muyonda, said the transition to 24-hour operation was halted due to delays in the harmonisation of border management systems in both countries. The 24-hour operation hinged on border management systems and coordination from border agencies in both countries which at the moment was a work in progress.

At the moment, there is no definite timeline as to when the facility would commence the 24-hour operation, Mr Mayonda said and implored all border agencies to expedite processes to ensure that presidential directives were implemented promptly to support economic growth in Botswana and Zambia. “It is only through growing our economies that jobs will be created, livelihoods of our citizens will be made better and this is why the two heads of state made such a pronouncement,” said Mr Mayonda. He explained that the idea of a 24-hour facility, a move from 6am to 10pm, was strategic and sought to grow the economy because round the clock operations meant that activities would not halt at any point, travelers and goods would be processed efficiently.

Mr Muyonda stressed that Kazungula Bridge Authority remained committed to launch the change as soon as possible, even with existing manpower. However, he said that staffing shortages might pose a challenge and that was to be expected but at the end of it all, implementation must take place. Mr Muyonda stated that the Kazungula Bridge Authority had engaged key stakeholders: Botswana Unified Revenue Service, Zambia Revenue Authority, immigration authorities and security agencies, in order for them to appreciate the urgency to implement the Presidential directive.ENDS