13 Jul 2022

There are no plans to open a border gate between Botswana and Zimbabwe at Mbalambi and Nswazwi villages.

Finance minister, Ms Peggy Serame said government appreciated that border crossings were important to enable mobility of nearby communities between the two neighbouring countries.

She, however, said several considerations had to be taken into account before opening a border post. 

She said such considerations were potential traffic at the border post, financial resources needed to open and maintain the border post and the readiness of the two neighbouring countries to open and maintain such a border post.

“Government continues to review the need to open borders with neighbouring countries. 

The priority at this point is to make sure that existing border posts are resourced in terms of manpower and physical facilities to ensure easy movement,” said the minister.

She said opening a new border post would increase financial pressure on the already constrained government budget. 

She also said the opening of new border posts would be considered by government subject to availability of funds in the National Development Plan 12.

Tati West MP, Mr Simon Moabi had wanted to know whether government had any plans to open a border gate at Mbalambi and Nswazwi to enable easy mobility and boost business potential in the area. Ends