Uganda has reduced the time of clearing goods at Malaba boarder post from three days to three hours, making it the best in East Africa.
This is contained in the World Bank Trade Logistic Report 2010. The report attributes the turn around, to improved infrastructure at Malaba boarder post.
The report which also ranks Uganda ranks third in Africa indicates that the reduction in hours of clearing goods will increase efficiency and lower transport costs.
Simon Kaali, a Kenyan truck driver says that it now takes him a few hours to clear his truck and make a return trip to Kenya.
//Cue In "Nowadays boarders from Kenya to Uganda
Cue Out ... waiting to go back" //
Transporters who had invested in buying new trucks complained two years ago that they saw no value of such investments because they would reach the boarders fast but spend more time clearing the goods.
Richard Kamajugo, the URA Assistant Commissioner in Charge Trade says that more improvements are expected at the boarder to ease trade.
He says the changes will benefit both consumers and manufacturers by reducing on transportation costs.
//Cue In "When we say that things
Cue Out ... three trips a month"//
He says that the improvements are part of the US$250 million East Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation World Bank Project.
The project provides for the improvement of the transport corridor infrastructure and the Malaba border crossing point.
