GOVT TO ENGAGE DRC OVER KASUMBALESA CONGESTION

Trucks lined up at the “Whisky” Truck Stop on the Kasumbalesa, DRC/Zambia border.
Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe says government will engage the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC- counterparts to resolve the congestion of trucks at Kasumbalesa border.
Mr. Mwakalombe who was in the company of Chililabombwe district Commissioner Paul Mulenga and members from the Chililabombwe District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC) said the situation at the border is unacceptable.
Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe
He said after a briefing from the Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA- Kasumbalesa station manager, Alfred Phiri about the situation at the border, the two governments will have to pursue the matter and respond accordingly.
Mr. Mwakalombe said the situation is compromising security men and women in uniform who are now working more hours to guarantee security of the trucks and goods in transit.
And Mr. Phiri explained to Mr. Mwakalombe that the congestion has been caused by the DRC authorities who are allowing not more than 200 trucks to enter that country compared to Zambian side that is clearing more than 500 trucks a day.
He said other factors include the increase in the number of importations of mining equipment and the political campaigns which are making people to buy goods in bulk.