ZIMRA 's Electronic Cargo Clearing System Wrecks Havoc At Beitbridge Border
The automated e-road cargo manifest system that was introduced by ZIMRA to fast track clearing of cargo traffic at Beitbridge Border was criticized by clearing agents who feel it was introduced before it was ready for the market because a number of clearing agents are failing to access the system, the Chronicle reports.
Some agents and transporters are reportedly failing to access the system that allows them to send their clients’ cargo manifest electronically for the past 3 days and as a result transport is now pilling up at the region’s busiest land border.
A clearing agent that spoke to the publication, Mr. Leni Chemaz said the electronic cargo clearing system was prematurely introduced:
This is a good idea, but it must be implemented when people have been adequately schools and the system has been upgraded to carry all those seeking to do business with Zimra
A user of the system, Beitbridge chairman of commercial transporters, Mr. Osbert Shumba also said:
Zimra is overwhelmed by the applications and to date, some transporters have not yet received their log-in credentials. You will note that most transporters are not well versed with the new system even though we are told by Zimra that training was done online. Also, most transporters are not aware of this move.
In addition, l think, there is something wrong with the Zimra’s timing, considering with opening of the border to passenger traffic and the fact that we are now in the festive season. This is a time whereby naturally everybody will be busy and pushing high volumes of cargo.
The system has caused huge delays and drivers and other transporter transporting cargo at the border have complained about the delays.
Meanwhile, human traffic is still low at the border despite the government opening the border for human traffic on Tuesday.
More: Chronicle