A bilateral meeting between Rwanda and Tanzania agreed to resolve the issue of cross-border truck drivers as part of the move to contain the new coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Infrastructure said on Monday.
Tanzanian truck drivers and owners had contested health guidelines that the Government had put in place as part of the measures that were aimed at curbing COVID-19, particularly swapping of drivers at entry points.
The Government says that all incoming cargo destined for Rwanda shall be offloaded at designated areas at points of entry, namely Kiyanzi (Kirehe) and Kagitumba (Nyagatare], the same move that Rwanda had earlier proposed.
For cargo that cannot be offloaded at designated areas at the points of entry, trans-shipment service where containers are exchanged from one truck to another is recommended and availed.
Rwanda said it will continue to make available mandatory testing facilities for all transit truck drivers and those who will be escorted with fuel and perishable products destined for Rwanda
Transit cargo will be escorted upon entry up to the final crossing point.
