Expert says Zim risky for Malawi logistics
The route between Malawi and South Africa through Zimbabwe remains fragile despite assurances by authorities that recent protests that hit Zimbabwe have not negatively impacted on Malawi logistics, a transport and logistics expert has said.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Malawi) executive member Mavuto Missi said many local transporters remain jittery of the route.
He said: “So far we have not received any official communication from our Zimbabwean counterparts that the roads are fully secure. Of course, we have heard of many transporters who safely crossed the vulnerable spots to or from South Africa, but those ones are moving goods at owner’s risk.
“What was supposed to happen is for Malawi and other landlocked countries in this region to come together and sign a joint bilateral agreement that would ensure safety on this strategic route to safeguard property moving to and from South Africa.”
Development and economic commentator Timothy Mtambo is also on record as having urged Malawi to engage the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to ensure that Malawian transporters’ interests are protected on the Nyamapata-Beit Bridge route.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Rejoice Shumba last week said government had not yet received information from Harare but stressed that Malawians travelling through Zimbabwe should exercise caution.
