By Lodu William Odiya
Central Equatoria state government has on ordinary state council of ministers discussed on the resumption of electronic tax system aim at enhancing revenue collection.
In a statement issued by the state press unit yesterday, the meeting chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony discussed various emerging concerns within the State with focus on a Memo presented by Hon. Salah Rajab Bunduki, the State Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment.
“The Memo focused on the need for Resumption of E-Tax System aiming at enhancing revenue Collections, equitable management of resources transparently, and promoting accountability” the statement partly read.
Additionally, the Memo highlighted the financial progress landscape, and necessary steps in enhancing revenue Collections within the State.
“Following thorough deliberations, the Cabinet applauded the timely presentation of the memo by the Minister, deferring it to the next Council’s meeting for incorporation of necessary inputs” the statement partly read.
According to the statement, the State Government reaffirmed its commitment in digitalizing taxation for an increased efficiency and transparency.
In November 2021, the government of Central Equatoria State signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MAC Company to design, establish operation and maintenance of e-Government system.
According to the MoU, State government shall take 70% share ratio from revenue generation while MAC gets 30% shares of the revenue generation. Whereas, in the service revenue the company gets 80% and the state with 30% respectively.
That promoted the August House to summoned three ministers to explain a contentious E-government and E- tax system they signed with a private company – MAC.
After thorough debates and hearing from the ministries concerned, the members of the House went for voting to decide whether to suspend the E-tax contract or not, in which 52 members out of 60 voted for indefinite suspension of the project.