Beitbridge traffic set to increase after flooding causes suspension of operations at SA, Botswana border

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

THE volume of commercial and human traffic is expected to surge at the transformed Beitbridge Border Post following the temporary closure of the South Africa and Botswana border Grobler’s Bridge, which also handles transit traffic to inland Sadc, due to water logging challenges.

Some commercial transporters opt to use the South African and Botswana border via Plumtree (Zimbabwe) or Kazungula as alternative routes other than Beitbridge.

Of late Beitbridge has been handling an average of 1 000 commercial trucks daily with the Gobler’s handling an estimated third of that daily.

In addition, Zimbabwe boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure permanently separating cargo, buses, private cars and pedestrian traffic and automated services to enhance services.

On the other hand South Africa is yet to upgrade its ports of entries after approving a plan to upgrade them to match world standards including their side of the Beitbridge Border Post.

In a statement last night, the BMA (Border Management Authority), South Africa advised transporters and travellers to use alternative border posts including Skilpadshek, Ramatlabama, Beitbridge and Kopfontein.

“The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato wishes to inform all travellers, transport operators, and stakeholders that operations at Grobler’s Bridge Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to adverse conditions caused by high water levels as a result of the rainfall,” said the BMA.

It said the increased water level has reached a point where it significantly compromises the safe and efficient functioning of the port. As a precautionary measure, all vehicles within the operational space of the port have been cleared to ensure the safety of all individuals and equipment.

The BMA said operations were temporarily suspended following consultations with their Botswana counterparts to prioritise safety.

“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our personnel, travellers, and all stakeholders”, said the organisation.

“We assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored on an hourly basis, and regular updates will be provided. For diversion of movements, Stockpoort and Platjan Ports of Entry can be used as alternatives by travellers and small vehicles as these are non-commercial ports.

“For cargo movements, travellers and truck operators are advised to use Skilpadshek, Ramatlabama, Beitbridge and Kopfontein as alternative Ports of Entry”.

The BMA said some of the alternative ports of entry will operate as follows, Stockpoort Port of Entry – 6am to 6pm, Platjan Port of Entry – 6am to 6pm, Skilpadshek Port of Entry – 6am to midnight, Kopfontein Port of Entry – 6am to midnight, Ramatlabama Port of Entry – 6am to 10pm and Beitbridge Port of Entry – open 24 hours.

 

 

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