BERLIN MSISKA APPOINTED ZRA COMMISSIONER-GENERAL

President Michael Sata has appointed Berlin Msiska as Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General.

President Sata made the appointment in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 [1] of the Zambia Revenue Authority Act, Cap 321 of the Laws of Zambia.

And Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has expressed happiness with the appointment of Mr. Msiska as Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General.

In statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta Mr. Chikwanda said he was confident that Mr. Msiska would work well at ZRA as he was qualified and competent in issues of revenue collection.

“Our new Commissioner General has impeccable credentials. It is for this reason that I have a deep sense of confidence in his professionalism and competence,” he said.

He added that “I have looked at the records and I am fully satisfied that he is a hardworking and patriotic Zambian as manifested by his record of service during his initial tenure as the first indigenous Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority,” said Mr. Chikwanda.

Mr. Chikwanda, pointed out that ZRA was the nerve centre of resource mobilisation in the country and on which financing of development programmes depended on.

He said this was why there was need to support ZRA without any undue influence by people working at the treasury, adding that they should not tolerate smugglers and tax evaders.

He also pledged to support ZRA should they need re-enforcement in streamlining areas of Value Added Tax refund administration, Customs and Mines Audit Operations among others.

“In this regard, you will fully be supported to execute your mandate without fear, favour or undue influence by all of us at the treasury. Do not tolerate smugglers and tax evaders. Streamline areas like VAT refund administration, Customs and Mines Audit Operations and let us know the areas in which you might need re-enforcement”, Mr. Chikwanda said.

The Minister has since urged Mr. Msiska to maintain high levels of integrity and seal the loopholes across all tax administration operational areas in order to collect resources thereby uplifting the welfare of Zambians and eradicate poverty through efficient.  

Mr. Msiska is currently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) resident Advisor at the Mauritius based Africa Regional Technical Assistance Centre [ARTAC] representing thirteen African Countries.

The countries include Angola, Botswana, Comoros Islands, Lesotho, Mauritius, Madagascar. Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

He has also served as ZRA Commissioner General as well  as Permanent Secretary for Financial Management and Administration at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

ZANIS