By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan has launched its institute for Revenue Administration to advance it capacity for domestic revenue mobilization.
Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, the National Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater said the day had marked a pivotal point in advancing country’s capacity for domestic revenue mobilization.
“The establishment of South Sudan Institute of Revenue Administration reflects the government strong commitment to building a more resilient and self-sustaining economy” Dongrin said.
He said the institute is more than a physical institution people were seeing but represent the nation’s reserve to professionalize and modernize the revenue system.
“Through this institute we will have competent and ethical tax and custom professionals who will manage public resource transparently” he said.
He highlighted that the launch of SSIRA comes with the responsibility to implement public financial management reform to intensify revenue mobilization, enhances tax compliance and prevent leakages in the taxes to achieve physical independence in the long run.
“Let me remind the leadership of SSRA and the management of SSIRA that the expectations are high, we must operationalize the institute and set a new benchmark for excellence in tax and custom administration” Dongrin said.
He further stated that ministry of Finance stands ready to provide full support to ensure SSIRA becomes a regional center of excellence.
The minister vowed to support the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) and other partners in order to deliver their mandates.
“As a ministry, we are ready to work support the Revenue Authority and all the partners for you to deliver your mandate” he said
Minister Dongrin said the ministry would only promise the staff of Revenue Authority that “we are going to look after you to perform your duties and that is to raise money lawfully.
“We are not going to encourage over taxation. And this why we are engaging with some national level to ensure that session” he said.
He said corporation was needed to protect the tax payers from unnecessary tax burdens and to raise adequate resources for the development and service delivery by all levels of government.
“You have seen what the board with support from the leadership and parliament has done in terms of looking after staff. You need to be equipped not only with tools and the legal frame work but also with education and proper compensation and that we are committed to it” he said.
In his part, the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Simon Akuei underscored the establishment of the South Sudan Institute for Revenue Administration (SSIRA) a strategic capacity building tool and knowledge-driven administration.
“It is a strategic investment in human capital. As a training hub, SIRA will have a centre of excellence for continuous professional development and capacity building” he said.
He added that as a knowledge centre, SIRA would drive institutional learning, ensuring revenue policies and strategies are evidence-based and responsive to national priorities.