Ramokgwebana border ready to operate 24 hours - BURS chief

Known in Botswana as Ramokgwebana and in Zimbabwe as Plumtree, the border crossing currently opens at 6am and closes at 10pm. However, Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) director, Ken Morris has told Mmegi that they are considering opening Ramokgwebana for 24 hours. But this will only work if Zimbabwe operates Plumtree border crossing for 24 hours.

Morris was speaking to Mmegi after BURS received houses worth P36 million from the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) on Wednesday. BHC was tasked with coordinating the construction of the 36 housing units on behalf of BURS. A local contractor, CC Projects, constructed the houses.There has been an outcry from members of the public who want the Ramokgwebana border to open for 24 hours owing to the frequent movement of people, particularly traders between Zimbabwe and Botswana. BURS has always defended its failure to operate the border for 24 hours on shortage of staff and accommodation. However, the new housing development means that enough staff can be posted at the border for a 24-hour shift.