The governments of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa have pledged to recommit themselves to continue facilitating the seamless movement of goods and persons on the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC).

The three countries kicked off their 20th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday, with a cycle challenge from Rustenburg, South Africa, via Lobatse in Botswana to Walvis Bay, Namibia. The agreement between the three countries was signed on 03 November 2003.

In a pledge read by the Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat Co-Chair Segodi Mogotsi, in Rustenburg, the countries also pledged to simplify and harmonise the requirements and controls that govern the movement of goods and persons to reduce transport costs and transit times.

‘The three member states pledge to continue to promote safety and security on the Trans Kalahari Corridor with the view to ensure the safety of users through regular joint law enforcement operations and border controls,’ the pledge reads.

The pledge further stated that the countries will ensure
that the road and infrastructure on the TKC is kept in a condition that responds to the needs of the corridor users.

‘The three member states pledge to promote spatial development initiatives on the TKC in order to enhance the livelihoods of persons living along the corridor,’ it further states.

South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, represented at the signing ceremony by the Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association, Khumalo Molefe signed the pledge.

Transport Minister of Namibia, John Mutorwa and Botswana Transport Minister Mothibi Molale will also sign the pledge, during the cycle challenge en route to Walvis Bay.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency