Kirehe- A scanner recently installed by Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) at the Rusumo border has eased doing business at the border that connects Rwanda and Tanzania.

Most of those interviewed by The New Times said that the state-of-the-art machine has accelerated the inspection process at the border post.

Instead of off-loading and re-loading goods for inspection by revenue officials, a truck just drives through the machine.

The Chinese manufactured scanner cost an estimated Rwf 600 million.

"Previously, we spent an average of Rwf 12,500 to off-load and re-load goods.

This is no longer the case as the machine does it easily and faster...the scanner is fantastic,” remarked Jean de Dieu Hakizimana, a trader from Kigali.

Emma Muvara, a RRA scanner officer noted that the machine’s arrival was timely, as it had eased verification of goods.

"Our work was simplified...goods are efficiently checked with minimum supervision.”

Eastern Province Governor, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira visited the Rusumo border post to witness the operations of the machine.

"I am surprised by the way the scanner is able to monitor business from a distance”.

The expectation is that the border post would attract more transporters.However, not everyone was happy.

"We no longer enjoy the earnings we received from traders and truck drivers  to off-load and re-load goods in their vehicles,” Vianey Ntibagorana, a casual labourer at the border complained.

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