By ZBC Reporter
THE Zambia Revenue Authority has postponed the implementation of the exports and imports restriction measures which sought to ban haulage trucks from using the Victoria Falls Border post.
In a latest public notice, the Zambia Revenue Authority has advised its stakeholders that the restrictions on exports and imports by road through Livingstone-Victoria Falls Border Post which were supposed to come into effect on the 1st of March have been postponed until further notice.
Zambia Revenue Authority Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Topsy Sikalinda said among other submissions, stakeholders asked for deferment of the restrictions as they required more time to restructure their contractual obligations.
I wish to confirm on behalf of ZRA that the restrictions that were meant to come into effect on the 1st of March at Victoria Falls Border Post have been moved to later date that will be communicated soon. We got concerns from key stakeholders that they needed to structure their contractual obligations and also we just needed to ensure that other alternative routes like the new Kazungula Bridge are operational,he said.
Victoria Falls based businessman and former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNNC) Vice president, Mr Ozias Marange welcomed the relief and expressed hope that authority will reconsider its position and ensure that haulage trucks continue to use the border post.
We are grateful, speaking on behalf of transporters based here in Victoria Falls. We are pleased although it’s a temporary move and it our hope that after this move, they will reconsider their position because the move was going to have serious impact on our economy,he noted.
Local customs clearing agents and other stakeholders involved in trade have raised fears the proposed ban on commercial trucks above 16 tonnes from using the Victoria Falls border will push up the transportation cost and result in substantial revenue losses for the country.