CTPD Executive Director
The trio noted that infrastructure development of that kind is critical to the realization of ambitions under the Africa Continental Free Trade Initiative.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo however noted that the trade organisations are concerned with the proposed toll fees at the Kazungula Bridge, saying the outcome will affect trade, which will be increased in order to meet the toll fees.
‘’We think the proposed fees will hinder trade and there is a need to avoid application of exorbitant fees as these will become a deterrent to trade,’’ he said.
Mr Mwaipopo added that the Private Sector and Civil Society understand that government’s intentions may be around enhancing resource mobilization, however, the proposed fees will result in an increased supply chain expenses for goods and service traded through Kazungula.
He indicated that the proposed fees will result in increased illegal trade or reduced trade flows volumes through Kazungula Bridge.
‘’We are concerned that with such new barriers, aspirations under the newly launched Africa Continental Free Trade Initiative may not be achieved. Our fear therefore is that traders will be faced with a choice to choose between the routes with high toll fees, and low toll fees,’’ Mr Mwaipopo explained.
He explained that, in the interest of trade facilitation, the Kazungula Bridge is a good opportunity to enhance trade between Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and the goal should be to ensure trade facilitation with less trade costs and elimination of non-tariff Barriers.
‘’It is, therefore, our position that the government should revise the fees in the interest of all Zambian cross border traders and transporters. Jointly we implore the Government to inform the nation on the criteria they used to determine the communicated fees and how consultative the process conducted was ’’ said Mr Mwaipopo.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo.
THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT REDUCE THE FEES AS ITS NEEDED FOR ENPOWERMENT AT THIS TIME>>> TRY AGAIN AFTER AUGUST
I bet the pontoon operator will be very happy with these tolls: his business will be booming instead of dying!
If the building of the bridge was to open a new gateway and ease congestion at other border points then its not going to happen with these fees. The pontoon used to charge K20 for a crossing now its going to cost K450. Rather go through Wenela crossing at Sesheke or Livingstone into Zim then ngoma border crossing into Botswana.
The problem with liars such as PF is that the never disclose the real stakeholders in projects ….tell the people Lazy Lungu that this Construction of the US$259.3 million project is financed by by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the African Development Bank. If Lazy Lungu and PF had any vision they would have used EUROBOND bond or a cheap loan to finance this project which practically pays for itself.
The problem with liar s such as PF is that the never disclose the real stakeholders in projects ….tell the people Laz y Lungu that this Construction of the US$259.3 million project is financed by by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the African Development Bank. If Laz y Lungu and PF had any vision they would have used EUROBOND bond or a cheap loan to finance this project which practically pays for itself.
My comment is awaiting moderation….. for what honestly? You LT are busy posting gruesome images which you have not removed , you can not even apologise. Is this website on auto pilot?
You foooools are commending the wrong people …go and check who is financing the project. its Japan International Cooperation Agency and the African Development Bank.
Is the pontoon going to continue operating?
@Razor Is the pontoon going to continue operating?