SADC Truckers raise Kasumbalesa border security concerns

THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) truck drivers association has raised concern over the security situation in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The association has, however, welcomed the planned extension of operating hours at Kasumbalesa border post.

Association president Stanley Mukula said in an interview that although the planned extension of operating hours is good, the security situation on the Congolese side of the border leaves much to be desired.

He said drivers are attacked by thugs even during the day and allegedly in full view of Congolese police officers.

Mr Mukuka has urged both the Zambian and Congolese governments to enhance security for truck drivers on the DRC side of the border.

“With the extension of operating hours, drivers will be crossing in the night at times, which will put their lives at risk,” Mr Mukuka said.

He commended both governments for agreeing to extend hours of operation at the border post.

He said this will improve traffic flow beyond the current clearance of between 500 and 800 trucks per day.

Last week, the Zambian government and the DRC signed an agreement to ensure speedy implementation of an agreement to extend operating hours at the border post from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours by December 31, 2020.

The two countries also agreed to expedite the full implementation of the agreement on maize to be extended to the 13 additional products.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma and his DRC counterpart, Minister of External Trade Jean-Lucien Bussa, signed the agreement in Ndola.

It was also agreed that Zambia should quicken the process of demolition of illegal warehouses along the Kasumbalesa border.

The two also agreed that the customs administration of both countries should continue to collaborate in the fight against smuggling at the border post.

Meanwhile, the DRC has asked the Zambian government to resubmit the documents from Seedco to facilitate payment of the outstanding debt of US$364,000 through diplomatic channels.