Mchinji one-stop border post ready in June

Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe has said Mchinji One-Stop Border Post building is scheduled to open in June this year.

Speaking when he visited the facility on Wednesday, the minister said he was impressed with the project.

Gwengwe said the ministry is waiting for equipment to be installed for the facility to be operational, adding that it is expected to be commissioned by State presidents of Zambia and Malawi.

He said: “The border post will ease trade transactions between the two countries as it will house all border agencies.

“Currently, people stop twice on either side for clearance, which may result in some delays.”

He said government is committed to facilitate trade reforms to improve the business environment in the country and across the borders.

On his part, Roads Authority  project engineer Samuel Kadangwe said the project, which started in 2018, was expected to be completed in June 2020, but delayed due to travel restrictions imposed by some countries due to Covid-19.

“There was delay in transporting equipment to Mchinji. So, the project stalled for months, but we are pleased that the project is completed,” he said.

Similar projects are also taking place at Mwanza/Zobue, Songwe/Kisumulu, Dedza/Colomue,  Muloza/Milanje and Chiponde/Mandimba.

One-stop border post is a facility that combines two stops of adjourning border controls into one. The idea seeks to  reduce the number of stops and processes associated with cross-border transactions to ease trade and movement of people.

Malawi and Zambia launched the joint project in April 2015 in Chipata, Zambia.