Mozambique’s H1 VAT revenue slips 4.1%, daily collections average 196M meticais
South Africa: Backlog at Ressano Garcia-Lebombo must be resolved for truck’s sakes
9:53 CAT | 15 Jun 2020
File photo: Corridor Gazette
- “There is no way for us to check on our drivers’ health during this time. They are in their trucks on the Mozambican side of the border for four days with no proper health regulations or implementations.”
No progress has been made to relieve the freight traffic backlog at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border.
Freight and cargo companies have now started using alternative routes or withdrawn from Mozambique completely. According to a local cargo company the backlog at the border is not only a financial concern, but also a health concern.
“There is no way for us to check on our drivers’ health during this time. They are in their trucks on the Mozambican side of the border for four days with no proper health regulations or implementations. We are sending our drivers home to their families after they could have possibly been exposed by having to wait for so long to return to South Africa. This is a very difficult and sad time,” said a representative of the company
The financial implications are a serious issue.
“Where it usually takes 1,4 days per load to go to Mozambique, offload and return to South Africa. It is now taking up to six days. We are currently operating at a loss and it is the first time in 15 years that we have had to refrain from using the Maputo Corridor and are forced to use other routes or find other business.”
Another operator mentioned that there has been no change at all regarding the backlog and that he thinks “The South African side to enter Mozambique has gotten worse over the last few days”.
This company has also withdrawn vehicles, although it has clients that it still needs to service on the Maputo Corridor route.
“The major issue is still to return back to South Africa. A round trip currently to cross the border, offload, and cross back into the country is 49 hours compared to six to eight hours previously.”
The company member also mentioned that this backlog has serious financial implications.
“If all the tipper companies remove their vehicles because the route is not viable anymore, both South African and Mozambican economies will suffer a great deal.”
Corridor Gazette has tried to get into contact with the Department of Transport, to no avail.
By Desiré Fourie
Source: Corridor Gazette
Show comments
Also read
Leave a Reply
Be the First to Comment!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.