Trucks are held up at Beitbridge Border in Zimbabwe, taking up to five days to be cleared, a situation which the Road Transport Operators Association has bemoaned.

According to the association’s executive member Byson Mpando, the delay has affected transporters who carry a wide range of goods from South Africa, like foodstuffs, building materials and motor vehicle spare parts.

Beitbridge Border is relied on by countries in the Southern African Development Community for imports and exports.

Recently, the Transporters Association of Malawi representatives met cabinet ministers who included Minister of Homeland Security Richard Chimwendo Banda, Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe, Deputy Minister of Transport, Nancy Mdooko and Minister of Civic Education and National Unity Timothy Mtambo. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Chimwendo Banda said the meeting was fruitful as it was agreed that 86% of upcoming transportation business would be given to local transporters. Banda also said the transporters had also asked for their inclusion in the Affordable Inputs Programme.