By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, July 18, Mana: Government has renewed its commitment to ensuring that international traders do not spend much time to transact trade and process travelling documents at the country’s border posts to effectively grow the country’s economy through cross-border trade.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe was speaking in Mwanza on Wednesday during the handover of Mwanza One Stop Border Post (OSBP) from National Roads Authority (NRA) to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.    

“The main objective of constructing this facility is to facilitate speedy service delivery particularly clearance of goods and travellers entering or exiting the country through the border,” said Gwengwe.

he expressed optimism for quality service delivery and dedication of members of staff at the OSBP because of the state-of-the-art working environment furnished with modern equipment.

Six government departments and agencies such as the MRA, Immigration, Malawi Bureau of Standards, agriculture, police and health with Trade and Industry as lead ministry are housed under one modern structure to enhance coordination.

The K5.5 billion OSBP facility is a World Bank funded project facilitated by the government and construction work commenced by a Chinese - China Geo Engineering Company through the NRA in 2021.

In an interview, Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Bellon Kasambwe said the appearance of the district has been transformed because of the facility.

“Mwanza is a major entry point into the country; therefore, there is need for modern facilities like the one opened today,” said Kasambwe.

A seasonal cross-border business person from Mangochi, Ali M’bwana commended government for facilitating the construction of the facility, saying it matches with modern times requirement for better time management as this is crucial in trade.

“I am grateful because in the past I used to spend a lot of money on food and accommodation here waiting for clearance but now it is time saving as everything will be conducted under one roof as is the case in our neighbouring countries,” said M’bwana.

Earlier, Senior Chief Nthache hailed government, saying the construction of the facility created employment opportunity for community members in his area.

“Some people will be selling their commodities to those who will be working here that will promote economic empowerment among the community surrounding this area,” said Nthache, pledging to safeguard the facility through creating awareness to his subjects against vandalism.