Maravi

Rupiah bemoans negative perception of ZRA

Rupiah bemoans negative perception of ZRA
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe and Patson Chilemba
Friday, April 03, 2009 6:53:16 PM

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday observed that there are still a lot of negative perceptions about Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). And ZRA commissioner general Chriticles Mwansa said poor infrastructure at both the offices and border points was hindering the revenue body from increasing its revenue collection targets.

Officiating at the ZRA inaugural First Taxpayers Appreciation Day aimed at recognising distinguished taxpayers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Banda urged ZRA to rid itself of corrupt officers saying the development was important to inspire confidence among taxpayers.

President Banda said corrupt practices and unprofessionalism within ZRA discouraged taxpayers from paying taxes voluntarily.

He called for professionalism within the revenue body and that officers who are found erring must be dismissed.

"Zambia Revenue Authority must be professional, transparent and efficient when carrying out its mandate," President Banda said. "I would be looking at the Zambia Revenue Authority through the broken glass if I did not at this point remind them that there is still a lot of work to be done. The negative perceptions surrounding tax collections need to be cleaned up."

The President also said there must be a fair tax among all taxpayers.

"This is important to encourage all taxpayers to be tax compliant. If some taxpayers on account of bribes or any other vice doesn't pay a fair tax, then all the other taxpayers will not be willing to pay a fair tax," said President Banda. "For that reason, I expect all tax officers to be professional. All those who are unable to be professional should be removed from the [Zambia] Revenue Authority."

And Mwansa said while the ZRA had seen increased interest by the government to invest in infrastructure development to enhance revenue collection, a lot of work still remained to be done.

Mwansa said the recent establishment of modernised ports at Chirundu border post and the recently completed works at Katima Mulilo border post needed to be replicated in other ports.

He cited Nakonde, Chanida, Kasumbalesa, Mwami and Kazungula as some of the ports that needed to be installed with modern port facilities to enhance revenue collection.

Mwansa also said ZRA was working at enhancing revenue collection in view of the current economic challenges the country was facing as a result of the crisis in the global environment.

"We are resolved to play a role by ensuring that all taxes are collected, accounted for and transferred and made available to the government through the Treasury promptly," said Mwansa.

Earlier Zambia's prominent music duet, Sakala Brothers who were the guest artistes sung a song eulogising President Banda for the manner he had been running the affairs of the country.

Seasoned songbird Maureen Lilanda also churned out songs from her various albums.

BP Zambia Plc won the award for being the best large taxpayer while the winners for small and medium categories snubbed the event.

Labels: RUPIAH BANDA, ZRA

posted by MrK @ 5:53 PM