NAB to build houses at border post

Source: New Era Live

GOBABIS - The Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) is set to tighten its presence and efficiency at the Trans-Kalahari Border Post in the Omaheke region, through the construction of staff houses, which will see them operating 24 hours a day.

The NAB's leadership held talks with the Omaheke Regional Council to share its plans to construct over 11 housing units for its employees that are stationed at one of the country's most important border checkpoints.

The Trans-Kalahari Border Post is a vital point of entry that connects Namibian goods and services to the rest of the SADC countries and central Africa.

Through the construction of housing units, the NAB will heighten its presence and control mechanisms by operating 24 hours to specifically ensure the legal and sanctioned movement of agronomic and horticultural goods in and out of the country.

"As the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the import, export, and transit of agronomic and horticultural goods, the NAB recognises the importance of adequate housing for its staff at the Trans-Kalahari border post. The engagement with the Omaheke Regional Council signifies a proactive approach by the NAB to ensure the successful implementation of its operations at the border post. It will ensure that they have the necessary resources to fulfil their duties effectively," said NAB's CEO, Fidelis Mwazi.

The regional council pledged its support for the NAB and emphasised the importance of tightening control measures at the border post, as that will in turn benefit small-scale and large-scale farmers within the Omheke region and the entire country at large.

Last year, both the Namibian and Botswana governments launched the 24-hour operation at the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno border posts, with the aim of further boosting trade between the two countries and the rest of SADC.

The Trans-Kalahari Corridor is a crucial route for trade between the two countries, and the launch of the 24-hour operation is expected to increase the volumes passing through the corridor.