The post's uninterrupted opening took place last Friday, after being reopened by the ministers of the Interior, Eugénio Laborinho, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Immigration, Security and Protection of Namibia, Albert Kawana, says the Ministry of the Interior, in statement to which VerAngola had access.
Speaking on the occasion, Laborinho stated that the uninterrupted operation of this post will "provide more commercial transactions and mobility of people, from one side to the other", adding that this measure is the result of the government's strategy in the migration sector.
"The opening of borders is not simply an exclusive privilege of border communities, but constitutes one of the priorities of Angola's migration policy, encouraged by João Lourenço, President of the Republic and Holder of the Executive Power, who recently promulgated a presidential decree removing the obligation to presentation of entry visas to citizens of more than ninety countries around the world", he said, quoted in the statement.
According to the Interior Minister, "this achievement represents an unequivocal sign of official commitment to the social and economic development of the country and, consequently, of the southern region of Africa, with immeasurable gains for everyone".
"The increase in migratory movement from this post will provide, not only an increase in tax revenues on both sides, but, above all, allow and stimulate the emergence of great opportunities for growth and progress, thus meeting the expectations of local populations and not only that, as businessmen, tourists and ordinary citizens of all origins will be able to freely use this point as an official entry and exit point for their respective destinations", the minister also pointed out.
The minister also mentioned the fact that this post is a target for smuggling, human trafficking, among other crimes, suggesting rigor and vigilance in the operation, and also predicted that this action could become an example of many others that will be reproduced along the border land with neighboring Namibia and other border countries, within the framework of the development of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), writes Angop.
Namibian minister Albert Kawana also spoke on the occasion, who emphasized the persistent struggle for the economic independence of the people and, as a result, in November 2021, both countries reached an agreement to open the Oshikango/Santa Clara border posts 24 hours a day.
Expressing satisfaction with the execution of this day, he added that after the economic ruin caused by covid-19 "it is important to adopt measures that revitalize the economies in order to acquire maximum benefits", adding: "We must agree to open more crossing points along border in places such as Oshimuaca, Epupa, Musangara, Buabuata and Sishuwe, to facilitate the movement of population and goods".
He also pointed out the fact that this new 24-hour daily system brings several benefits in economic terms to the business community, who will be able to carry out their commercial activities more comfortably, as they will have more time for entries and exits, writes Angop.
The Angolan ambassador to Namibia, Jovelina Imperial, considered that opening the Santa Clara and Oshikango border posts 24 hours a day will make it possible to reinforce trade and free movement of people and goods.
Quoted by Angop, the diplomat said she sees this action as a huge opportunity for Angolan and Namibian businessmen to maximize the increase in commercial and economic exchanges, adding that this initiative contributes to the closer and stronger commercial relations, showing a climate where parties work together, are friendly and supportive.
The ambassador also pointed out the fact that people now have enough time to visit their families, carry out commercial transactions, take care of their health, as well as increasing the degree of social development of communities in both countries.
According to Angop, the Santa Clara post records between 3000 and 2600 migratory movements of entry and exit of national and foreign people every day.
