Staff Reporter
Zimbabweans have welcomed the re-opening of the country’s entry and exit points, as they anticipate the resumption of an industry that had lain dormant due to COVID-19 challenges that forced the country to lockdown its border points for 2 years.
Speaking to this publication economist, Abednigo Matsika applauded Government for its bold move to open the ports of entry, highlighting that a significant percentage of the country’s foreign currency was realised through business activities that required the entry/exit points to be opened.
“Yes, the coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on other inflows of foreign currency such as export earnings from cross border trading. With the reopening of the country’s entry/exit points some people’s livelihoods will be resuscitated.
“Some of our cross border traders exported wares that raked in foreign currency for the country; however some were bringing in wares from across the border which they sold at flea markets and tuckshops. That’s the other downside that Government will have to monitor so that goods from outside will not destroy the Zimbabwean industry that is already struggling due to unfair competition,” Matsika said.
Constance Mbano, a crossborder trader hailed Government for re-opening the borders saying it has brought light to her bleak world.
“(Yandigonera Hurumende, ndanga ndatowona vana vangu varega kuyenderera mberi nedzidzo dzavo nekuti zano rekuwana mari kuti ndivabhadarire ranga rakabatwa nekuvharwa kwemaborder. Ndiko kwandayiponera.) I am grateful to the Government for opening the border, I was going to witness my children fail to go to school because my hope lay with the re-opening of borders, that’s where my livelihood is,” said Mbano.
President of the Cross Boarder Association Killer Zivhu, commended Government for reopening the entry/exit points saying this move will ensure the informal traders get back to their livelihoods and look after their families as they had done before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Government has called for the strict adherence to COVID 19 regulations for all entering and exiting the country.
“All ports of entry be opened but ensuring that all COVID-19 prevention measures are adhered to, and all persons entering Zimbabwe must have undergone a valid COVID-19 PCR test not more than 48 hours from the time of their departure for Zimbabwe, and full vaccinated. Those who have received a booster vaccine shot have an entry advantage,” said Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
