Jonglei to introduce new local services tax
June,10, 2012 (BOR) – Jonglei State Council of Ministers passed a bill on Friday, proposing to introduce a new social services tax at county level to fund local development projects.
South Sudan’s government spending has been slashed since the country stopped exporting oil through Sudan at the beginning of the year over a transit fee dispute with Khartoum, loosing the Juba government lost 98% of its income.
The state minister of local government, Diing Akol Diing, who proposed the bill said the new law will be presented to Jonglei’s parliament but declined to give a date.
Akol said that if passed by lawmakers any person from the age of 18 to 65 will be required to pay 100 South Sudan pounds (around $33) per year to their County or Payam (District).
Akol was optimistic that tax, if signed into law by Jonglei’s State’s, could be implemented by October.
People working at a state level who already pay other taxes will be exempted from paying the new Social Service Tax.
Jonglei is South Sudan’s largest state and is severely underdeveloped, without paved roads, modern schools and health centres. Lack of government funds and security are often cited by officials as the main inhibitors of economic growth and development.
(ST)