Secretary to the Treasury Fredson
Yamba has praised the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for investing in
initiatives aimed at improving service delivery efficiency and effectiveness in
ensuring that revenue collection is optimised.
Mr. Yamba says government is
happy that ZRA has continued to come up with new electronic system
administration in customs and domestic taxes thereby brining about the most
valued convenience for both tax administrators and tax payers.
Speaking during the launch of ZRA
modernisation phase 2 in Lusaka today, Mr. Yamba said the innovations will
certainly have direct effect of reducing the cost of doing business in the
country.
He explained that the
modernisation of the tax system will also go a long way in making it easier for
people to comply with tax obligations and also trade across the borders enhance
improving the revenue base for the country.
He added that the initiatives and
the selected slogans namely “making Compliance e-asier” for domestic taxes and
“e- Custom” for custom services are in line with the government’s intended
goals of enhancing service delivery in the public sector.
Mr. Yamba further urged ZRA to do
everything to ensure that the two milestone projects for domestic taxes and
customs services division are successfully implemented.
He has also encouraged all
stakeholders such as the business community, taxpayers and members of the
public to familiarise themselves with the operations of ZRA and support the
successful implementation of these modernisation projects for the benefit all.
Earlier, ZRA Commissioner General
Berlin Msiska said ZRA is committed to keep up with the changing needs of
stakeholders due to advancement in technology.
Mr. Msiska disclosed that ZRA has
since invested K47 billion in the new system, adding that the current system
running have capacity limitations, which have been a fundamental constraint to
the authority’s operational efficiency.
He noted that this is why the
design and development of new ICT system is expected to offer solutions and
improve service delivery.
He stated that this will also
help in reducing congestion at borders as importers and clearing agents will
then submit documents and complete customs formalities from any location.
Mr. Msiska added that the new
system will supporting government’s goal on zero tolerance to corruption in the
clearance process.
The new electronic system been
developed by Tata Zambia means that taxpayers will have an option to register,
file returns and make payments electronically which will in turn make ZRA
attain efficiency in data management thereby enforcing compliance.
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