Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE introduction of electronic gates (e-gates) and e-passports at the upgraded Beitbridge Border Post is easing congestion as traffic volumes increase during the festive season.
Tourists and Zimbabweans returning from South Africa for the holidays have welcomed the improved efficiency at the modernised port of entry, citing shorter processing times and a smoother travel experience.
“I have been in Zimbabwe for some years, and I really enjoy the hospitality I get, even the services here at the port of entry are really fantastic,” a regular visitor said.
“I am using an e-passport, so most of the services I do myself without human interaction because they have e-gates here, so it is easy for me to pass,” another visitor added.
“We really appreciate the assistance we are getting from the crew here. We really appreciate their service because we have been assisted in a good way,” a traveller said.
The government, through the Department of Immigration, says it has deployed enough manpower to deal with the surging volumes of people.
“We are processing high volumes of people, like this Tuesday we processed more than 13 000, and we will remain ready for anything because we also have a backup of e-gates for those using e-passports,” Regional Immigration Officer Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu said.
The Second Republic continues to come up with massive projects that benefit everyone as the nation marches towards attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.
