18 May 2020

Fifteen truck drivers who have been awaiting their test results since May 13 have been released to traverse through Botswana to their destinations after testing negative for COVID-19.

About 25 more, who arrived on May 14 are still awaiting their results.

Kasane District Health Management Team (DHMT) Coordinator, Dr Botshelo Kgwaadira said the remaining 25 were expected to receive their results today, May 18.

He explained that the 15 truck drivers who were released were not escorted by either the Botswana Defence Force or the Botswana Police Service as initially planned, adding that escorting in Chobe district was practical impossible.

Dr Kgwaadira said most of the drivers were from Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania en-route to South Africa.

He explained the Kazungula Weigh Bridge, which had been designated as a temporary parking place for heavy trucks, was incapacitated to accommodate more trucks and spaces in either Zambia or Zimbabwean sides were now congested.

At the time of going to press, Dr Kgwaadira stated that there were over 900 trucks on the Zambian side which were waiting to cross into Botswana whilst over 500 were on the Zimbabwean border side.

He explained that all the 15 truck drivers who were allowed to pass were warned to adhere to health tips such as washing or sanitising their hands as well as to practice social distancing.

Meanwhile, trucks drivers complained about lack of ablutions and access to water for drinking and bathing at the Weigh Bridge but district authorities promised to attend to their grievances. ends