Commerce, Trade and Industry
Minister, Bob Sichinga has directed Eastern Province Permanent Secretary,
Hlobotha Nkunika to facilitate the relocation of the border facility at Mwami
border post near Malawi.
Speaking when he toured Mwami border
post, Mr. Sichinga observed that the shifting of the boarder five kilometers
into Zambia has negatively affected operations at the border because some of
the facilities, such as the weigh bridge, are now operating on Malawian land.
He has expressed concern that even
the Zambian parking lot remains in Malawi despite the relocation of the entry
point.
Mr Sichinga has stated that there is
urgent need to relocate the border facility to ease operations, saying officers
have complained of inadequate office space.
And addressing the business
community at Protea Hotel and Luangwa Lodge later on, Mr Sichinga appealed for
support towards the construction of industrial clusters at border points.
Mr Sichinga has advised the business
community to be financially disciplined if they are to succeed.
Meanwhile, Immigration Officer in
Charge at Mwami border post, Mutinta Hatembo disclosed that authorities are
faced with challenges because there are too many illegal entry points between
Zambia and Malawi.
Ms Hatembo says it is difficult to
control passage of illegal immigrants because most of them use illegal routes.
Ms Hatembo also said there was need
to construct a new and bigger border facility to ease operations because the
same point is used to attend to entry and exit of people.
She says the separation of the two
will enhance operations.
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