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By ANA Reporter 
1 hour ago
Johannesburg – The freight forwarding and transport industries have called for urgent intervention at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe “where a humanitarian disaster is unfolding, while creating a potential Covid-19 catastrophe that also threatens an outbreak of cholera “.
The executive director of the Federation of Eastern and Southern Africa Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), Mike Fitzmaurice, said in a statement Saturday that Covid-19 regulations and restrictions introduced in early December had severely compromised the flow of traffic on both sides of the border post.
“There is only one place for testing with a single point of entry and exit, which creates a massive bottleneck that stretches from Musina (Limpopo) on the South African side to the border post, and for more than 20 km at the Zimbabwean side, “he said. said.
In an open letter to the Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, the organizations called for urgent intervention, describing the dire conditions, but to date had not received a response from the minister.
“Congestion, compounded by the annual increase in traffic at this time of year, has already cost South Africa lost revenue. During the first three weeks of December, the cost of delays at Beitbridge was nearly R88 million per week. Waiting time delays for trucks amounted to R609 million per week, amounting to R2 092,860,000 to date, “Fitzmaurice said.
“These losses to the South African economy are in addition to the massive R442 million already lost during the 27-day northbound traffic blockade that took place in November,” said the president of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF). , Dr. Juanita Maree in the statement.
Maree said truckers in the lines had run out of food, had no water to drink or wash, and no toilet facilities. Criminals looted and stole from trucks and drivers had given up hope of getting home to be with their families while sitting in unbearable 40-degree heat, he said.
Fitzmaurice said reports of corruption were rife with some traffic officials accepting R1000 bribes from drivers who skipped the line.
Maree believed that the way to decongest the border – the only test point was only open during the day – was to suspend Covid-19 testing for drivers and close the border at night for commuters and bus traffic.
“Trucks heading south unloaded must move in lots alternating with loaded trucks. Northbound truck traffic can pass through at night.
“The situation is desperate as this disaster is having a severe impact on Africa’s supply chains. Much-needed goods, including essential items, just don’t make it to their destination. There is no quick fix, but if the government is willing to partner with the private sector, we can restore the smooth flow of goods and people across the border, avoiding a humanitarian disaster and economic collapse in the region, ”he said.
African News Agency (ANA)
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