Heavy traffic congestion at Lebombo Border as political unrest persists in Mozambique
TRAC advised road users to avoid travelling to or from Mozambique on the N4 as it is littered with debris from the protests.
The Lebombo Border Post is congested with traffic due to truck blockages across the border to Mozambique.
This follows the countrywide protest actions and demonstrations that have been running in Mozambique from October 31, a result of the recent political elections.
The Border Management Authority’s (BMA) commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said the BMA and Sars are currently steadily facilitating the trucks through the border, and efforts are under way to manage the flow of goods and vehicles as efficiently as possible.
Masiapato said ongoing operations with their Mozambican counterparts are being implemented as they focus on clearing the congestion and ensuring a smooth and safe cross-border process for all involved.
“A stop-and-go approach is being implemented and trucks are being facilitated to a control area to ensure a seamless operation, in a phased approach. BMA and Sars Customs remain in close contact with border stakeholders to minimise delays and keep operations running effectively. We urge truck drivers, logistics companies and other cross-border transporters to monitor official BMA and Sars communication channels for real-time updates on the situation. Passengers and traders are requested to allocate additional travel time when planning routes through the Lebombo Border until congestion affected by the Mozambican side is resolved,” Masiapato said.
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However, TRAC has advised road users to avoid travelling to or from Mozambique as the N4 across the border is littered with debris from the ongoing protests.
TRAC said in statement that the traffic is flowing extremely slowly near the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border posts. “Our teams have been unable to clean up the road due to safety issues and are expected to only be allowed to do so after Thursday, November 7, when the culmination of the week-long protests is expected.”
