Sunday 11 November 2012

ZRA LAUNCHED SECOND PHASE OF MODERNISATION AIMED AT IMPROVING EFFICIENCY



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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