Unguja. The Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) has exceeded its tax collection target by 102.34 percent for August 2024.
Acting Commissioner General of ZRA, Said Ali Mohammed, announced on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, that the authority collected Sh71.11 billion against a target of Sh69.49 billion.
He noted that this represents an increase of Sh13.87 billion, or 24.24 percent, compared to the same period last year.
“It is our responsibility to inform the public and recognise their efforts in paying taxes voluntarily while ensuring the security of these funds,” Said stated.
He attributed the increased revenue to a favourable environment, noting that without these enabling conditions, such an achievement would not have been possible.
Said emphasised the importance of reporting businesses that fail to issue receipts to ensure proper action is taken.
“Some businesses still do not issue receipts; it is crucial to provide receipts to facilitate tax payment,” he said.
He also highlighted that in July, the authority had a target of Sh50.49 billion but collected Sh53.32 billion, achieving 105 percent of the target.
Darajani businessman Ahmed Juma commented that the benefits of paying taxes are evident in the significant developments and improvements in the country’s infrastructure.
However, he stressed that businesses that do not issue receipts should face consequences to ensure everyone pays taxes fairly and without coercion.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Zanzibar terminates land lease offered to British developer
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) has terminated a land lease held by British property developer Pennyroyal Limited in Matemwe, the developer has announced.Continue Reading
Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.
Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
Zanzibar liquor importers face fresh hurdle despite court order
The liquor shortage in Zanzibar is far from over, even after a court order granted relief to the three importers.Continue Reading
