Government has disclosed that a ‘One Stop Boarder’ to reduce on unnecessary delays at boarder posts among the traveling public is under-way in the SADC region.
Communication and Transport Permanent Secretary Peter Tembo says the One Stop
Boarder concept is one of the frameworks SADC member states are pursuing in
fostering regional integration in the area of infra-structure development.
Brigadier General Tembo says Zambia being one of the SADC member states will
greatly benefit from the facility when operational .
The permanent secretary stressed that government has embarked on infrastructure
development in the transport sector to bring it in line with the standards of the
SADC protocols as she takes over the SADC chairmanship this month.
Brig-Gen. Tembo was speaking on a live ZNBC programme dubbed ‘SADC Calling’
monitored by ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He explained that under the One Stop Boarder concept, Immigration and Customs
Officials will be placed in one office.
General Tembo also disclosed that government has embarked on the rehabilitation of
all the habours around the country to enhance the water transport system.
He said the One Stop Boarder concept will be opened at Chirundu boarder Post in
Southern province thereafter Kazungula in Western province on the border with
Namibia
And Director of Infra-structure Development at the SADC Secretariat in Botswana
Remmy Makumbe said SADC is merely adopting what is obtaining in Europe citing the
European Union (EU) which has reduced trade barriers among its member states.
Mr. Makumbe however, said SADC member States are faced with many changes among them
financial constraints to fully succeed in developing infra-structures development in
the region.
And Mr Makumbe disclosed that President Mwanawasa will on August 16 chair a
Special Session on Infra-structure Development during the SADC heads of state and
government summit slated for Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Mr Makumbe said the Special Session will review progress in the development of
progress infra-structure in the SADC region.
Mr. Makumbe said top of the agenda to be discussed is the plight of land locked
countries who are seemingly not willing to comply with SADC regulations
Mr makumbes ideas ands well thought out proposals for development of infrustructure in Southern Africa will most definitely feed the ecomnomies with trades that provide job opportunites while encouraging the countries to continue attracting financila assistance. I am very impressed with his ideas sought to improve not only one counry but southern africa as a whole