Congo DR cuts to 250 from 450 the number of trucks it clears per day

By Teverai Dzeka

Zambian authorities have reached out to the Congolese government to address the congestion of uncleared trucks stuck on the Zambian side waiting to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Chililabombwe District Commissioner, Precious Njekwa, says the congestion follows the decision by the DRC government to reduce the number of trucks to be cleared from 450 to 250 per day.

Over 1,400 trucks have remained stuck at the Kasumbalesa border on the Zambian side, waiting to be cleared into the DRC.

Chililabombwe District Commissioner, Precious Njekwa, says another 1,700 trucks are parked along the Chingola-Chililabombwe road.

Speaking to ZNBC News in Chililabombwe, Ms. Njekwa described the situation as sad, adding that the government is now working on providing portable toilets and water to truck drivers as the situation is being sorted out.

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Kasumbalesa Border Station Manager, Osila Lundu, said they have already cleared most of the marooned trucks to go into the DRC, but they have remained stuck on the Zambian side.

Mr. Lundu said the buildup of trucks awaiting clearance into the DRC by authorities in that country is now causing a strain on ZRA and the truck drivers.