By Staff Reporter
Following flooding more than a week ago, the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry with Botswana remains closed, according to Border Management Authority commissioner Michael Masiapato.
He said that the floodwaters have finally subsided, which meant that the BMA could now assess the port’s infrastructure.
“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete. Upon completion of these activities, the Grobler’s Bridge Port of Entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said in a statement.
The inspection will be conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage. Following the assessment, a comprehensive project plan will be developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.
Key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damage to the port infrastructure and conducting water quality tests to ensure the environment is safe for operations.
The BMA said the water underground would need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.
The Grobler’s Bridge crossing is used for trade, including miners in the Copperbelt region, which straddles the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Cargo is moved to Durban for shipping.
The BMA has been continuously engaging its counterparts in Botswana.
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