HEAVY CONGESTION AT KOPFONTEIN BORDER POST.

Article By: Keba Rasekhutla

The Kopfontein border post continues to experience heavy truck congestion following the closure of the Martin’s Drift border due to recent flooding.

Speaking to GABZ FM News, some truck drivers expressed frustration over the lack of basic amenities, including bathing facilities and toilets. Many drivers reported waiting for more than five days without any assistance.

Lucas Barreto, Chairman of the Truck Association, revealed that they had engaged with Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), which assured them that staff from Martin’s Drift would be deployed to assist at Kopfontein. However, this has not yet happened.

Barreto noted that while some drivers have rerouted to other border posts, the situation remains critical. He expressed particular concern for female truck drivers, stating that it is disheartening to see women enduring such harsh conditions.

Meanwhile, informal traders have taken advantage of the crisis, reporting a surge in business as they cater to stranded drivers.

Efforts to get a response from BURS were unsuccessful.