THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has warned truckers, clearing agents and runners who use the Beitbridge Border Post against approaching the border without the necessary clearance documents.
In a statement yesterday, Zimra said such people were responsible for the congestion that usually characterised the border, warning the hauliers against seeking services without complete clearance documentation.
“Zimra notes, with great concern, that southbound trucks without complete clearance documents are entering Beitbridge Border Customs control zone, parking for lengthy periods, taking up space for trucks already processed thereby creating unnecessary congestion and bottlenecks at the border,” the tax authority said.
“Please be advised that only properly cleared trucks ready for release shall join the queue and be allowed into the control zone with immediate effect.”
Zimra said all trucks should park at truck stops until their documentation was ready and thereafter proceed to the border control zone for release and departure.
“Any trucks found parked within the control zone prematurely or joins the queue without complete clearance of documents shall be levied with appropriate fines. This decision has been taken after extensive consultations with relevant parties,” the authority said.
Meanwhile, truck drivers, who spoke to Southern Eye hailed Zimra for the move, which they said would reduce congestion at the border post.
“It is a great move as this will reduce congestion as those without proper clearance have to make way for those with required documents to move freely, hence it also reduces the issue of theft that usually accompanies the congestion,” they said.
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Truckers and other border users, who spend days at the border post, blame officials for delaying to clear goods.
The border post has, however, been efficient in clearing other traffic, with most travellers usually spending a few minutes having their travel documents cleared by the Department of Immigration.
