16 May 2020

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ms Alicia Mokone says it is costly to escort cargo trucks delivering food and other services and those on transit to neighbouring countries.

Responding to questions posed by journalists during a media briefing on May 16, Ms Mokone said the initiative was done through funds from government coffers adding that plans were underway for the ministry to introduce mobile tracking system in addition to the current arrangement of escorting trucks.

The move was taken after a recent case of one of the truck drivers testing positive to COVID-19.

Ms Mokone has also observed that the move taken by government to test truck drivers for coronavirus at border posts had resulted in the delay of the delivery of cargo.

“Upon entry at the border posts, trucks are escorted by the police to delivery points. Those on transit are also escorted until they leave the country,” said Ms Mokone.

Ms Mokone was also of the view that teething challenges arising as a result of the testing of truck drivers at entry points like delay in delivery of goods would be dealt with in due course as the process improves.

“We therefore appeal for your patience as the operation will smoothen as time goes on,” said Ms Mokone.

Ms Mokone said transportation services would not be overlooked in measures put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus, saying transport aid movement of people, which was banned, as people were urged to stay home.

She said it was not surprising for government to suspend transport services, as a major to deal with COVID-19.

However, Ms Mokone said under Phase 3, some transport services within the regions were given permits to operate, which included among others taxis, combis, cabs and those hired to ferry workers.

“We are currently releasing public transporters to facilitate movement of those returning to work and ultimately resuscitate the economy, said Ms Mokone.

Ms Mokone had also revealed that long distances public transporters across zones was not yet operational.

“Any action in relation to availing such a service will be done in accordance with COVID-19 regulations,” she said.

In relation to availability of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) during the COVID-19 period, Ms Mokone had applauded ICT service providers for their resilient and responding well in servicing the nation.

“Generally, we had good coverage of ICT services in the form of internet, ATM and swiping services at points of sale,” said Ms Mokone.

Ms Mokone has also commended the young people who came up with ICT relating solutions to addressing some of the challenges that aroused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Their ingenuities in ICT are handy under the current COVID-19 period,” said Ms Mokone. ENDS