04 Jun 2018

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communication Mr Kabelo Ebineng has underscored the need to develop and promote safety and security in the corridors that link different countries.

He said well developed corridors could go a long way in enhancing trade within member states and beyond, as well as promoting development.

Mr Ebineng was speaking at the official launch of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee Joint Law Enforcement operation which was carried out by Botswana, Namibia and South Africa in Moatle on Thursday.

The objective of the operation was to promote safety and security along the Trans Kalahari by promoting compliance and enforcing laws and regulations along the corridor.

The three member states also intended to increase their visibility along the corridor as per their agreement and mandate.

Mr Ebineng said the operation was important as it had positive implications for the economy of all the stakeholders.

“Today’s joint law enforcement operation is both timely and appropriate.

It comes against the backdrop of our region’s renewed interest to stimulate the economy through a number of domestic economic initiatives,” he said.

He said as a way of supporting the development of the corridors, Botswana continued to rehabilitate some sections of the corridor to promote trade between the countries.

He said apart from revamping the Mankgodi/Jwaneng and the 44 Junction/Tsootsha sections, the Botswana government had fenced part of the Trans Kalahari corridor to keep domestic animals off the road.  

However, he said physical development of the corridors alone was not enough to promote trade within the region and beyond.

He called for the harmonization of regulations and procedures between the member states.

For his part, executive director of the TKC Secretariat Mr Leslie Mpofu said corridors were important linkages that connected different countries and enhanced accessibility of products and services.

He said Africa had a huge market but due to undeveloped corridors there was limited access to products.

He emphasised the need to ensure safe and secure corridors since these were important aspects to traders and operators within the corridors.  

“No investors will come if our corridors are not safe and clean,” he said. ENDS