NAKONDE border in Muchinga province which experienced disruptions of business in the last 78 hours following the violence experienced at the border town of Tunduma in Tanzania, is now fully operational with the flow of traffic from both ends of the border moving normally.
ZANIS reports that Nakonde District Commissioner James Singoyi has confirmed the development in an interview in Nakonde this afternoon.
Mr. Singoyi said authorities on both sides of the border now operating normally.
He said fuel tankers carrying fuel were the first to cross the border at 04:00 hours this morning adding that the flow of traffic has since continued without any disruptions.
The District Commissioner said that the Zambia Revenue Authority and other revenue collection agencies at the border have lost millions of kwacha in revenue in the last few days the border had experienced disruptions in business transaction as a result of the violence in Tanzania.
Mr. Singoyi was however; quick to state that security on both sides of the border is still tight with armed police officers keeping vigil.
Earlier, briefing Muchinga Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe at his office this morning, Mr. Singoyi said business the border town had been disturbed because of the violence that was experienced at Tunduma.
Mr. Singoyi said he is however, happy that normal operations have resumed.
He said that no fuel tankers are currently marooned at Tunduma as all the fuel tankers that were marooned there have been given first priority to cross into Zambia.
And Mr. Nundwe, who is scheduled to visit the border later this afternoon, said he was happy to learn that peace had returned to the neighbouring town of Tunduma with the flow of traffic on both ends now moving normally.
Mr. Nundwe also cautioned Zambians not to involve themselves in the politics of the neighbouring country adding that politics should be left to the politicians.
A check by ZANIS at the border revealed that clearing of vehicles and other goods was progressing normally with cross border traders spotted having their goods cleared.
Both Zambian and Tanzanian buses were also spotted loading passengers and goods at the main bus station.
No gun shots have been heard across the border town today a sign that peace had indeed returned to the town that greatly depend on the Zambians who cross every morning in hundreds to buy various merchandise.
One of the passengers on a Lusaka bound bus Peter Bwalya told ZANIS that he is happy that peace had finally returned to Tunduma – Nakonde border.
Mr, Bwalya added that though not all the shops have been opened, at least they have managed to buy merchandise today.
Nakonde border was on Tuesday temporarily closed to the public after 10:00 hours following the confusion that erupted at Tunduma forcing the border to close.
Supporters of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the opposition Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) in neighbouring Tanzania have been fighting over a disputed piece of land.
Yesterday the border had opened and closed twice because of the unpredicted volatile situation on the other side of the border.
Only small newly imported vehicles were allowed to cross into Zambia from Tunduma when the border opened briefly on two occasions yesterday.
Over 600 vehicles were marooned at Tunduma as at yesterday.
It is believed that an opposition political party planned to build a big hospital at the border town and the Tanzanian Government also planned to build a similar structure on the same piece of land, hence the two parties clashing.
The DC Mr. singoyi should consider addressing the security situation in Nakonde.
Crime has worsened in Nakonde.
People are being killed like animals and yet we have the police.
For example, on 17th March 2015 (Tuesday) a Clearing agent by the name of Mr. Machila aged 42 of Ntindi Village near Ntindi Sec School was nearly killed by six heavily armed men with Pangas and he sustained more than 15 deep panga cuts. Upto now, the poor man is walk or feed himself.
But the good news is that the six criminals have now been identified
by the locals although the police are still afraid of arresting the six well known dangerous criminals.
The badly injured man was discharged from the hospital due to lack of medicine. I challenge the Nakonde DC to take charge.
The DC should help…
Good Job!!!! We need the goods to be moving, not that stuff of civil disorganization…