By Chisomo Phiri
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Secondhand and Scrap Metal Dealers Association of Malawi(SSMDSM) has asked the government to intervene in the challenges its members face in Tanzania.
In an interview with Maravi Post,the association’s president Patrick Jonathan said the trucks transporting scrap metal from Malawi to other markets are being excessively delayed in Tanzania, disrupting their business.
He said while previously transit was smooth, they are now forced to pay at least K1 million per truck, despite Tanzanian law stipulating that only groups of five trucks require this payment for security escort.
Jonathan commended the Ministry of Trade for its willingness to engage with other countries to ensure fair treatment of Malawian traders.
Meanwhile,Ministry of Trade spokesperson Patrick Botha confirmed that the ministry is aware of the issue.
Botha added that the Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba, will soon hold discussions with Tanzania regarding trade practices between the two countries.
