Upgrades to SA's ports of entry will ease congestion at border posts: BMA

The Border Management Authority (BMA) said that upgrades to South Africa’s ports of entry will ease longstanding traffic congestion at border posts.

The BMA and the Department of Home Affairs announced plans to demolish and rebuild six border facilities in an effort to modernise them.

Six companies have been shortlisted for the project, which is expected to cost around R12.5 billion.

The Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru and Ficksburg border posts will undergo phased redevelopment over the next two to three years.

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Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreier said that this project will improve border security, ease traffic congestion, and enable a more efficient movement of goods.

"For many years, these high-volume corridors have been under significant strain. Congestion, outdated infrastructure, and fragmented systems have slowed down trade and increased the cost of doing business."

He said that border operations have been inefficient for far too long.

"The redevelopment of these six land ports will introduce modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure and systems that enable real-time coordination between border agencies from South Africa and our neighbouring states. The project will be carried out in phases to ensure that the movement of goods and people is not disrupted."