Kenya and Rwanda to replicate electronic cargo tracking system previously used by Uganda
Kenya and Rwanda confirm that they are looking to replicate the electronic cargo tracking system (ECTS)this year. This system will ultimately reduce the cost of transporting cargo on the northern corridor. The heads of the state summit in Kigali stated that the process of procurement and installation will be finalized soon to address the issues of cash deposits and overstayed cargo in Mombasa.
What the new system will bring new?
The new system is expected to lower the cost of transportation of cargo and time. It will also reduce the curb thefts of cargo while delivering from one place to another and diversion of goods destined for its market from the port of Mombasa. The revenue authority commissioner of Uganda for customs
The Revenue Authority commissioner for Customs Richard Kamajugo, the framework will enhance the productivity of Customs procedures bringing about higher income accumulations.
Benefits of electronic tracking system
There will be a pre-entry clearance of goods route before the ship touches base at the port of Mombasa and the containers, which will spare time, said Mr Kamajugo, including that the new framework will likewise give real time data on the area and the status of the payload in travel. Prior to the presentation of the innovation, one could just know the area by calling so as to travel load the driver.
ECTS trigger an alarm whenever there is a diversion from the actual route, it will also inform on every unusual or long stopover and it will even inform the authorities if someone tries to open the containers illegally. The new system will help in sealing the loopholes that cause these countries loss in revenues through suspected under-declaration of the value of the exports and theft of cargo. The electronic tracking system had helped the traders in Uganda to minimize the costs and time of doing business from one week to just one and a half day.
Costs of the system
When the trucks face delay along the transit route, it costs $200 to $250 per day. Sometime the total cost or maybe a partial cost is passed over the owner of the goods. All this process was increasing the overall cost of goods being transported through this transit route. It was not only because of the unusual stoppages in the corridor, but the distance also was a factor.
The New system will ensure that the countries will get precise information on imports and exports of goods from the port to the destination.
