Long-haul cargo carriers, who use the Machipanda border, are asking the authorities in both countries to find ways to make customs clearance of goods more flexible, especially on the Zimbabwean side.

Operators report that, although the border is open 24 hours a day, there is a lack of flexibility, which sometimes forces them to wait up to three days and incurs additional costs. They find it strange that even if they leave Mozambique for Zimbabwe with an empty truck, they are forced to queue.

According to a NewsIn the last few days, the movement of trucks has increased, partly due to the focus on the Beira corridor since the intensification of the demonstrations that restrict the border crossing at Ressano Garcia, in Maputo province, citing Customs sources in Manica province.

"The authorities face the challenge of controlling the growing pressure in Machipanda, looking for solutions that reduce the long waits of truck drivers and minimize the economic impact of congestion," the authorities said.

Machipanda connects Mozambique and Zimbabwe via the Beira corridor, the N6, one of the main routes used to transport various goods from the Port of Beira to the hinterland. It is estimated that 400 trucks pass through Machipanda every day from Mozambique to Zimbabwe, Zambia, DR Congo and Botswana.

(Photo DR)