"Things Are Gradually Getting Back To Normalcy," As Zim, SA Reopen Border To Commercial Cargo
Zimbabwe and South Africa on Friday reopened the Beitbridge Border Post to commercial cargo after South Africa had temporarily closed its side of the border on Wednesday afternoon.
South Africa closed the border for the disinfection of its customs yard after one of its customs officers tested positive for Covid-19 and the exercise was completed on Thursday.
Speaking to the Chronicle, border authorities expressed hope that things were slowly returning to normalcy. An official said:
We processed around 200 southbound trucks and another 150 northbound between 6 AM and 4 PM.
Things are gradually getting back to normalcy.
Officials also indicated that when the border was reopened, priority was given to the clearance of essential cargo, especially perishable food items, medicines, and explosives.
The border, however, remains open only to commercial cargo and repatriation of South African and Zimbabwean citizens including remains of those who die in either country.
The closure of the border has greatly affected businesses in the SADC region as cross border traders are now confined to their countries since March.
The Beitbridge Border Post is one of the busiest ports which also links South Africa to the region.
More: ZBC News
