LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says it will procure drones worth US$2m this year as it moves to fight smuggling at ports of entry, and across the country.
Zimbabwe is losing billions of United States dollars through its porous borders.
This has seen Zimra putting in place Electronic Cargo Tracking system (ECTS).
“Zimra will move with speed to procure drones worth an estimated US$2m that will be used at all ports of entry to reduce smuggling and underhand deals,” it said.
“Plans are also at an advanced stage to place a CCTV camera system at border posts and strategic areas and the CCTV system will be linked to a loss control command centre at Zimra head office that will have sight of the footage live feed from the border post.”
Zimra said it would enforce controls to avoid importation of restricted or prohibited goods through the ECTS and the system uses GPS/GPRS technology for tracking.
The electronic seals are affixed to cargo containers, box trucks, soft sided trucks (flat decks with side curtains), tankers, and break bulk (goods under tarpaulin) the electronic seals send regular signals to the control room to show the location of the cargo.
The electronic seal connects to the internet and the control room is manned 24 hours a day and relays information of violations to the reaction teams.
Zimra said that any diversion from these routes or entry into a two restricted zone constitutes a geofence violation which attracts a US$2,000 fine.
Last year, Zimra sealed 35,076 trucks raking in US$1,083,302.88 in sealing fees. It raised US$216,900 from fines.
Other violations include unauthorised opening of the seal, tampering with the SIM cards, losing and/or damaging the seal.
Meanwhile, the ministry of Finance has capacitated Zimra after giving the tax authority vehicles for its operations.
The tax collector took delivery of 30 vehicles consisting of 20 Landcruisers, five Hiace Minibuses and five NP300 single cab trucks.
