. MUTATI

By THANDIWE MOYO –
GOVERNMENT says  failure  to pay  taxes by the majority of people owning business will result in a breach of many developmental projects.
Minister of Finance Felix Mutati said Zambians who avoided tax payment should think twice and own up patriotism.
He said tax must be treated as a pleasure not a challenge as that was the bench mark of the economy .
Mr Mutati said all the challenges that were faced by the majority of Zambians could be resolved once tax collection was taken serious by the collectors and the payers.
“The Government uses that money for service delivery, infrastructure development , stocking of drugs  in hospitals and many other services,” he said.
The minister also said there was need to explore good habits  that could help the country.
He said increasing of electricity tariffs was one of the government intervention to ensure rational mannerisms were developed.
“It is important  to have a culture of self regulation among ourselves as that will help us prosper,” he said.
Mr Mutati further disclosed that on June 30, 2017 Government will embark on the selection programme of empowering  local entrepreneurs to help boost their businesses .
He said the local entrepreneurs that will be empower will be already existing entrepreneurs.
“ We are going to help boost local serious branded intrepreneurs , we do not want dreamers to be part of this, we want capable local brands, “ he said.
The minister said besides the mentioned programme, Government worked on a number of projects to ensure the local entrepreneurs developed.