Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have on Tuesday officially agreed on a joint move of combining the activities of three stops of both countries’ borders that will be operating 24/7.
This was endorsed in a bid to reduce transit costs incurred in cross-border movement, according to officials from the two countries.
The combined posts are Rusizi I which links Rusizi District and Bukavu City, La Corniche and Glande Barriere that link Rubavu District and Goma City.
According to a joint agreement signed by both countries, La Corniche and Grande Barriere Borders will be operational 24/7 by the end of this year.
Particularly Rusizi I Border experiences challenges that are connected with the scarcity of inadequate infrastructure in place including old houses that should be used as officers and other facilities.
However, officials from both countries wouldn’t want to comment on when this problem will be solved as the Vice-Governor of South Kivu Province told journalists.
The residents from both countries welcomed the exercise stressing that it will help fast-trucking their day-to-day livelihoods, they noted that their incessant request on increasing the borders’ working hours has thus responded.
Jean Pierre Nkunzurwanda, the Head of International Cooperation in Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration confirmed that Rwanda and Congo also agreed on combining services at Rusizi II Border.
“The fund to build the border is already in place, looking for a plot of land that will receive one border post is among other few remaining activities.” He said.
Figures from Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration indicate that between 6,000 and 8,000 persons cross Rusizi II border a daily basis.
The Express News
