Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban

 Zambian authorities say they have not entirely banned movement of non-commercial goods in and out of Zimbabwe through the Victoria Falls Border Post.

Responding to widespread concerns following the recently issued statement announcing restriction of commercial cargo by road through Victoria Falls border with effect from March 1, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), said only commercial cargo and goods in excess of 16 tonnes would be restricted from using Victoria Falls port by road.

The move has raised concerns among a cross section of Zimbabweans who felt the country would lose out on bilateral trade and customs revenue.

Clearing agents feared they would lose business while Victoria Falls residents also said their livelihoods would be affected since many of them used to buy goods from Livingstone before lockdown.

ZRA corporate communications manager, Topsy Sikalinda, restricting commercial cargo volumes was meant to preserve the Victoria Falls Bridge as a tourist destination as well as ensuring sanity.

“We have not banned any groceries or stopped any product from being imported or exported. Please note that non-commercial cargo or vehicles below 16 tonnes will still be allowed to use the Victoria Falls border post,” he said.

“All products can go through the border except that they should be below 16 tonnes if they are using road and if they are above 16 tonnes then they should use rail. The border remains available for use to all hawkers, individual traders and tourists.”

Sikalinda said this was in line with Zambia’s Statutory Instrument 115 of 2020 that came into effect on January 1, 2021. But ordinary, he explained, citizens and hawkers can still use the border as long as their goods do not exceed 16 tonnes. This means that all importation and exportation of commercial cargo through the Victoria Falls border will only be allowed on rail transport.

Also, all commercial cargo intended for import and export by road should use alternative entry or exit points such as Kazungula or Chirundu borders, he said.

Zambia and Botswana recently completed constructing the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi River, a facility that is expected to enhance smooth passage of cargo on the north-south corridor.

“This measure is meant to preserve the Victoria Falls Bridge and also bring sanity to Livingstone town, which is Zambia’s main tourist capital,” said Sikalinda.

“The measure is also meant to reduce human animal conflict around the border area where truck accidents have been recorded.”

Victoria Falls city lies directly opposite Livingstone across Zambezi River and complement each other in terms of tourism and environment. There has been concerns about congestion caused by haulage trucks as they wait to be cleared at the Victoria Falls border post either side of the river.

Sikalinda said congestion creates challenges for border officials who are unable to conduct detailed physical inspections due to limited space, against trade volumes that have increased in the region.

This will also reduce human-animal conflict and protect wildlife in the tourism destination. Victoria Falls and Livingstone are located within national parks hence challenges of human wildlife conflict.

Businesses and clearing agents said they will be guided by implementation of the SI.

Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe chair for Victoria Falls and Kazungula branch Paul Shambare said the restriction will have minimal effect on business.

“At the moment there is much speculation about the notice but as an association we have sought clarification. If you look at Victoria Falls, 95 percent of its business is traffic that carries copper and other bulky minerals and these are not listed in the schedule because they are usually trucks in transit,” he said.

“While this will have an effect on business, the effect will be insignificant,” said Shambare.

While officiating at the conferment of city status to Victoria Falls Municipality last December, President Mnangagwa said the Zimbabwean side of the border post, particularly the building structure, needs urgent facelift as it has not been upgraded since before independence.

Source: Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban (12/02/2021)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd March 2021) Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February 2021) Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks.