PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has noted the significance of facilities such as the Nakonde One Stop Border Post to the country’s economy.
The President says continued improvements of such facilities is essential for the government’s revenue.
President Hichilema states that the Nakonde One Stop Border Post was for a long time under utilised and did not operate to its full capacity.
The Head of State was speaking in Nakonde today when he commissioned Phase one of the upgraded Nakonde One Stop Border Post in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province.
“For years, we were not realising its true potential, slowing down everything here. One truck takes 25 to 30 minutes to scan and I understand some trucks would go inside and then come back to be rescanned, that’s not right.
“That is under-utilising an asset like this one,” the President said.
The Head of State noted that improving the clearance efficiency at the border will not only benefit the people of Nakonde but the entire country as they will be increased revenue which is essential for implementation of government policies such as the school feeding programme among others.
“With the volumes now arising from this investment, everybody is a winner. Government revenue will increase, enabling us to support free education and ensure that children here in Nakonde can go to school without cost. This is the government’s responsibility, and we are delivering on it,” he said.
President Hichilema also noted that the Nakonde One Stop Border Post is at a good location for interconnectivity and called for the commencement of the second phase of the project.
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, noted that the Nakonde One Stop Border Post handles around 20 percent of Zambia’s trade.
Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, attributed the development to the committed leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, stating that the upgraded Nakonde One Stop Border Post means more revenue for the country, more money for the people and improved wellbeing.
Trade Mark Africa Chief Executive Officer, David Beer noted that the new infrastructure comes with an upgraded scanner and access to improved roads through the partnership with the Zambian government.
And, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, thanked the partners for the support towards the upgrade of the border.
