Truck drivers passing through Dedza Border say the project championed by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to have One-Stop Border Posts has brought several advantages to commuters using the border.
One of the truck drivers for South African-based Malmoza Logistics, Esau Benson Kayira, said the challenges they used to get before the construction of the new facility were enormous.
“The old offices of MRA were too compact, actually they were using containers. To park a fleet of trucks when we are exiting the country or coming from Mozambique used to be a hassle. The security of our goods was compromised. But this is a safe and secure place, with public amenities for our convenience such as the washrooms,” said Kayira.
He also says the facility has enabled the processing of various documents at one point thereby speeding up transit time.
“There’s a bay here where many trucks can park and documents can be processed quickly and MRA officers are serving us on time. However we are still stopping on the Mozambican side we feel this is defeating the purpose, may the officials speed up the discussions,” said Kayira.
Old MRA offices at Dedza
Ruth Nkusang’ombe one of the passengers who was travelling from South Africa by bus said the passenger terminal section at the border has enhanced the welfare of the passengers as they can keep their personal belongings in a safe place, especially in extreme weather.
Cross-section view of Dedza One Stop Border Post
Deputy Station Manager for Dedza One Stop Border Post, Tapona Nkhata, said the new facility has enabled MRA officers to inspect imports or exports with much thoroughness.
She observed that though some traders use unchartered routes the majority come at the border as they know they will be served quickly. She further said various government agencies such as the Malawi Bureau of Standards and Immigration Department make their job easier.
Tax evaders collaborate with taxi drivers and use the unchartered route on the Mozambican side at the border.
Steven Kapoloma, the Head of Corporate Affairs at Malawi Revenue Authority, stated that currently, the project has been completed and they are now awaiting the construction of a similar structure on the Mozambican side.
“This initiative will effectively address the challenges faced by travellers when entering or leaving the country. Malawi has already successfully established two one-stop border posts in Mchinji and Dedza, with additional ones in the pipeline,” Kapoloma told the press.
The OSBP project also targets Muloza and Songwe – Kapoloma.
He further mentioned that the focus of the One Stop Border Posts Project apart from Mchinji and Dedza also targets Mwanza, Muloza, and Songwe borders, where they plan to build modern facilities.
The funding for these projects is being provided by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
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