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Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
THE opening up of the borders for imports is set to boost business volumes for cross border traders and related transport services.

Government last week lifted the ban on importation of specified goods, which initially required permits under the provisions of Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017.

The move followed widespread shortages of basic commodities and spiralling prices fuelled by black market exchange rate distortions and hoarding.

Goods that have been liberalised include animal oils and fats (lard, tallow and dripping), baked beans, body creams, bottled water, cement, cereals, cheese, coffee creams, cooking oil, crude soya bean oil, fertiliser, finished steel roofing sheets, wheat flour and ice cream.

Those with free funds can also bring in jams, juice blends, margarine, mayonnaise, packaging materials, peanut butter, pizza base, potato crisps, salad creams, shoe polish, soap, sugar, synthetic hair products, wheel barrows, agrochemicals and stock feeds.

The Coach and Bus Operators Association (CBOA) have said they were looking forward to improved business as more people are set to cross the borders to import the commodities.

“The number of travellers had dropped by about 40 percent over the years and transport companies were therefore struggling to break even. Our association has 30 bus operators and 10 non bus operators,” said CBOA chief executive officer, Mr Alex Kautsiro.

An average of 60 to 100 buses, 2 000 light vehicles, 600 haulage trucks and 15 000 travellers cross Beitbridge Border Post daily.

In separate interviews travellers urged the Government to also lift restrictions on washing powder and fuel imports and reduce import duty which is about 40 percent to between 10 and 15 percent.

A traveller who preferred anonymity said Zimra will now have to improve its clearance services to allow smooth movement of vehicular and human traffic.

Beitbridge Business Association chairperson Mr Nkululeko Milidi said the Government’s move was a relief to businesses that were struggling to get import permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

“The construction industry was the worst affected by shortages which is delaying the completion of projects especially in towns like Beitbridge,” he said.