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Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on transport and infrastructure development to enhance trade between the two countries. The bilateral agreement is anchored on four transport sectors namely civil aviation, maritime, road and rail transport.The two countries will establish a bilateral working committee to facilitate the implementation of the agreement, with an equal number of representatives from both countries.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo signed the MoU with his South African counterpart Elizabeth Dipuo Peters in Victoria Falls on Friday.

Gumbo said the MoU would guide the two countries in terms of fiscal financing, expansion of the role of public-private partnerships as well as marketing transport projects to potential investors among others.

“This will cover civil aviation, land and rail transport infrastructure, services, safety and security, road and rail traffic operations and management, maritime and inland waterways, environmental management, funding, integrated transport master planning and network development as well as exchange of technical expertise and technology transfer,” said Gumbo.

He said the MoU would also allow the two countries to share expertise on infrastructure development and services as well as promote investments, industry and trade cooperation on equitable terms.

“It’s not an issue of who is bringing how much money into the project but it’s a partnership. What we’re doing is making life easier for our people and improve communication in the region both in the commercial or social areas,” he said.

The Minister said the agreement would also decongest Beitbridge Border Post by reducing the number of days spent clearing goods, freight and even people through among others the creation of a One Stop Border Post.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Peters, said: “This is a piece of agreement that seeks to solidify our relationship, brotherhood and sisterhood because in essence we’re one people.”