Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Governor Louis Lobong has banned the “unlawful” collection of revenues by the national government within the territories of Eastern Equatoria State.
The government said that only the state will henceforth be collecting taxes at the border points of Nimule, Nadapal, Tseretenya, Bira Lobone, Pogee, Owininykibul.
Lobong cited articles 47(b) and Article 48(2b) and 49(1)c(i) of the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 to support his pronouncement.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me under the Republican Decree No 51/2020 read together with article 99(1) of the transitional constitution of Eastern Equatoria State, I do hereby issue this executive order for stopping unlawful collection of revenues which are the rights of the state.”
In a statement read over the state radio, Lobong said revenues in Nimule, Nadapal, Tseretenya, Bira, Lobone, Pogee and Owinykibul and other checkpoints shall be collected by the state authorities.
He further ordered that the national civil defence service office be closed, and fire safety certificate and vehicle inspection fees be collected by the state civil defence service in accordance with the provision of section 179(b and c) of TCRSS.
Also, the national traffic police are urged to stop the collection of plate numbers and licenses (except for highway traffic police). Driving licenses and log books shall be collected by the state police traffic in accordance with TCRSS section 179(c).
“And national ministry collecting levies on tourism must stop. The levies on tourism shall be collected by the state minister in charge of tourism as provided for in section 179(e),” Governor Lobong stated.
He added that any national institution collecting parking fees should stop.
The governor stressed that any individual providing parking ground for rent shall be subjected to a rental income tax of 10%.
“Any national institution collecting animals’ tax must stop animals tax is the competence of the state and local government according to TCRSS section 179(l) and Act 2009 section 74(l) b,” the statement read in part.
Lobong continued that any business operators such as banks, hotels and lodges clearing agents, workshops, and garages operating without a state license must obtain operation licenses from the state in accordance with TCRSS section 179(c).
He said any business entity that fails to comply shall be closed.
Earlier, this year, the state transitional legislative assembly raised a motion to the national government demanding shares of 5% of revenue to support developmental activities in the state
They blamed the national government for centralizing the collection of revenue which they said rendered the state vulnerable to provide services to its citizens.
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