NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
By Julius N. Uma
18 October 2011 (JUBA) – The governor of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBG) state has ordered the immediate closure of unauthorised checkpoints within the state and cautioned law enforcement agents against illegal tax collection.
Paul Malong Awan’s remarks came in the wake of continuous complaints from the state’s business community, which heavily relies on locally-generated revenue to boost the economy.
The state government, Awan said, has only designated three legal checkpoints throughout the state, to be manned by authorised personnel.
The governor’s directive coincides with last week’s official launch of the state revenue authority’s integrated tax management system; an initiative part of NBG’s tax reform project supported by the joint donor team’s capacity building trust fund.
The system, developed in line with both the State Revenue Act 2011 and the Income Tax Act 2011, was implemented by SyncNet Computer Systems Limited, a Kenyan-based company.
Comprising of a menu driven accessory, multi-level security transaction approval, an extensive audit trail, flexible and expandable software, the newly established initiative is expected to deliver a sustainable tax modernisation system.
An unexpected atmosphere of euphoria pervaded, as state and national government officials, lawmakers, a host of development partners, and hundreds of citizens all turned up to witness the unveiling of the new system.
In his remarks during the launch, Mareng Chor, the state revenue authority commissioner said he remains optimistic that the new system, if well utilised, will greatly improve revenue generation in the state.
“It is envisaged that the ITMS [integrated tax management system] will improve revenue collection through sealing of revenue loopholes, ease the taxpayer registration exercise and maintain on monitor taxpayers’ data,” the commissioner said.
He further added that the same system will assist the revenue body assess volumes of revenue collected, improve governance and monitoring around the collected revenue and help in state revenue planning.
Agnes Comfort, the public sector advisor at the joint donor team lauded the state government for its strong political will to embrace the tax management system. The capacity building trust fund, she revealed, currently provides support to key priority sectors in each of the 10 states of South Sudan.
The fund supports a variety of government initiatives related to strengthening public administration, with contributions from donor countries such as Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, implementation of the state tax modernisation project, Sudan Tribune understands, reaches a total of approximately SSP 888,400 (about $300,000).
(ST)
Acid
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
It will be a creditable thing ever done by this Governor and his administration if it is proved to be true. People of NBGS have been waiting this action for long time. I hope that he will make it a priority to invest every tax collected to people wellbeing rather than fatten individual pockets, as it has been a case for six years!
Garang Mathiang
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
When they (Governor and Revenue authorities) say that 3 legal check points, then they should be specific by giving places or names and in which counties/payams, otherwise people will still use the existing ones assuming is/are among the 3 legally authorized
Garang Mathiang
Abraham Lueth
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
Dear Governor, this is a very great move, ithink by now the northern traders will reduce the price of the commodities so that the poor people can affort to buy sugar and food becuase the prices have gone high beyond desription in Northern bahar el Gazal State-Aweil.
Thank you, Abraham Lueth.
Mzalendo Mwema
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
Dear Garang,
You are right because governor would have mentioned those checkpoints,their location names and those in charge otherwise they will be no change.
Those working at the checkpoint should be given IDs with numbers written in UPPER CASE for traders to see them and report any malpractice to the government.
Check points should not be far away from the main towns.
angunliach
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
Dear writer,
It’s good to feed the nation with fruitful news but not nonsense and baseless information, if Mr. governor and commissioner Maren g chuor wanted the closure of illegal check points, then they should be specific to mention the illegal check points they are referring to, we have many of them created by the same governor and his commissioners and moreover they call them illegal.Sham!!!
AgwerJimmy
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
Dear governor, it really sounds surprising to call them illegal when some were legalized by you. Any way, this is a new Republic with a new Organization and new government. But my question is; Is Warawar one of those illegal checkpoints?
Who knows? Our governor is alert before the ministry concerned extends its jurisdiction to his state. I will get it all on hearing/seeing the outcome from 2 sides
Ajiej
NBG state governor orders closure of illegal check points
Dear Jimmy,
I think the question you asked about Warawar is the good question but what I know so far concerning Warawar is owned by two people of which he can declared the three legal check point it may include Warawar but Warawar resources will not reach State revenus Authority since you knew very well those who have owned. However the Governor with his Deputy will not accept.
Thanks