Botswana plans 24-hour border operations

TATENDA MOYO
Correspondent | Tuesday December 16, 2008 00:00

Briefing the media at the ministry's headquarters in Gaborone, Peter Siele said arrangements are being made for Tlokweng, Pioneer Gate, Sir Seretse Khama Airport, Mamuno and Ramokgwebana border posts to operate 24 hours by the first half of next year.

Siele said progressive initiatives have been taken with neighbours Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa on the issue. 'As soon as it is practicable, and in concert with our neighbouring countries, we should be fully operational in those areas at the latest by mid-2009,' said Siele.

The development is expected to reduce delays for travellers at the country's borders. As the festive season nears, Ramokgwebana border crossing will be flooded particularly with Zimbabweans returning home to visit their relatives. 'For those of you who have travelled to the North during this season, you have witnessed the (chaotic) situation,' said the minister. The 24-hour border operation is expected to ease travel into and out of the country by tourists ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Siele said the nation should not panic over criminal and dubious foreign characters easily gaining access into the country. 'We have extensive measures to make sure that people who enter our borders are not a threat,' he said. Commenting on the current negative reports about foreign pastors, Siele said locals are responsible for luring them into the country and usually government's efforts to stop the clerics go unheeded.

'At times when we want to take action, Batswana do not understand. In fact, it is church members who register these priests,' said Siele.

Director of Civil Registration, Mabuse Pule, shared the minister's sentiments. 'It is unfortunate that others come in sheep's skin while they are wolves,' said Pule.

He, however, said measures are taken after registering any society to see if they are not in breach of the law. (Sila Press Agency)