By Neema Hussein , The Guardian
PUBLIC servants in Tanganyika district, Katavi region, are encouraged to efficiently and effectively utilize taxpayers' money allocated by the central government to fund development projects within the council.
It is imperative to prioritize the transparent and responsible utilization of allocated funds to foster sustainable growth and enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for the residents in the community.
Yesterday, Onesmo Buswelu, the District Commissioner for Tanganyika, reiterated the importance of responsible financial management in a tax collection committee meeting. His emphasis highlights the vital role effective fund allocation plays in the district's progress.
“By upholding accountability and efficiency in financial management, we can create a positive impact on the development and prosperity of the region, ultimately leading to a better future for all individuals within the community,” he affirmed.
He emphasized to public servants that these funds represent the hard-earned contributions of taxpayers and must be managed with the highest level of responsibility and integrity. Any mishandling or misappropriation of these funds not only impedes progress and growth but also undermines the trust and confidence that the public places in the government.
On the other hand, Bernwad Peter, assistant manager of Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Katavi region, underscored the council's ambitious objective; to surpass the collection of over 200 million Tanzanian shillings (TSh) for the financial year 2023/2024.
Meeting this target is crucial to uphold the regional development agenda and allocate adequate resources for a variety of public services and infrastructure projects. Bernwad has been leading efforts to modernize tax collection methods, such as promoting electronic receipts among traders and buyers.
The switch to electronic receipts marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing transparency and efficiency in tax collection. It diminishes the likelihood of tax evasion, simplifies procedures for both the TRA and taxpayers, and cultivates a more transparent and efficient tax system.
On a related note, the council's Chairman, Hamad Mapengo, has acknowledged the significant challenges in tax collection. He pointed out that a strained relationship between TRA officials and traders has often hampered efforts to maximize tax revenue. This strained relationship can lead to resistance and non-compliance among traders, further complicating the tax collection process.
Despite these challenges, Mapengo expressed optimism and a strong commitment to overcoming these obstacles. He, along with the councilors, is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to explore innovative and effective methods for enhancing tax collection. This includes engaging with the business community to rebuild trust and cooperation, thereby creating a more conducive environment for tax compliance.
Furthermore, establishing a collaborative partnership between TRA officials and traders is deemed essential for attaining the council's revenue objectives. Through mutual cooperation, they can pinpoint and rectify the underlying causes of non-compliance and resistance, laying the groundwork for more robust and sustainable tax collection strategies.
Analysts posit that the council faces a substantial challenge in ensuring the effective utilization of public funds and improving tax collection to bolster its development aspirations. The coordinated efforts of public servants, guided by leaders such as Onesmo Buswelu, Bernwad Peter, and Hamad Mapengo, play a pivotal role in this mission.
They believe that by embracing modern tax collection methods, advocating for transparency, and nurturing collaboration between the TRA and the business community, the council can enhance its financial management practices and propel the region's development efforts.
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