By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)’s decision to start operating 24 hours at Nakonde border post in Muchinga Province has reduced the costs of doing business for cross border traders.

The clearance of commercial consignments and the movement of cargoes across the border are  in the  interim allowed to take place between 08:00 hours and 22:00 hours daily while passage is allowed 24 hours.

Cross border traders said in separate interviews in Nakonde and Lusaka that the 24-hour operation at the border post had helped in the reduction of lodging costs which would eventually contribute to reduced cost of doing business.

Joseph Chileshe who imports soft drinks from Tanzania said the move by ZRA was an economic decision which would go a long way in reducing the cost of doing business among cross border traders using the Nakonde Border Post.

“We used to spend a lot on lodging, but since the border started operating 24 hours costs on lodging have reduced,” Mr Chileshe said.

John Njovu a hardware dealer said the 24-hour operation was reducing the cost of imports as time and lodging costs were reduced.

Mr Njovu implored ZRA to consider extending the trend to other border posts in the country adding that this could further reduce prices on imported commodities while boosting trade.

Early this month, ZRA announced 24-hour services at Nakonde to improve service delivery and trade facilitation between Zambia and Tanzania.

ZRA has been carrying out construction works at Nakonde Border Post aimed at improving service delivery.

Non-commercial consignments including passenger clearance are being processed on a 24-hour basis.

The processing of customs importation permits which do not require the services of clearing agents is now done within 24 hours.