Strike action by customs clearing agencies at Nakonde border in Muchinga Province has entered day two.
The agents are on strike to press for the immediate improvement in the Asscuda world System which they say is too slow resulting in an increase in the cost of doing business.
The agents are also demanding for the immediate lifting of the embargo placed on about 50 clearing companies operating at Nakonde by the Zambia Revenue Authority- ZRA.
Both Nakonde district commissioner Field Simwiinga and Customs Clearing Agency Association Nakonde chairperson Stephen Chileshe confirmed the strike action in an interview with Zanis in Nakonde today.
Mr Chileshe said agents will only resume work after ZRA lifts the embargo and reinstates all the affected companies unconditionally.
Mr Chileshe said it is unfair to put Clearing Companies on embargo when they are fully aware that it is the astride world system that is affecting the smooth operations at the border forcing some companies out of business for failing to meet some statutory obligations.
The clearing agent s have charged that they Asytrida World System needs to be improved if government has to collect enough revenue from the border by allowing clearing agents to remain in business.
They said that the embargo should be lifted and allow for consultations between ZRA and agents on the smooth operations at Nakonde border.
They alleged that ZRA Commissioner General Berlin Msisika and Commissioner of Customs Zingani Banda are fully aware of the poor performance of the Asytrida World System and have failed to find a solution.
The strike action by the Customs Clearing Agents at Nakonde border has affected the smooth flow of traffic especially from the border town of Tunduma in Tanzania.
Efforts to get a comment from ZAR spokesperson Mumbuna Kufikisa proved futile by press time.
“ASYCUDA WORLD” not Asytrida World