Finance Deputy Minister, Adam Malima.
However, the government has signed contract for establishment of
one stop border posts for other countries, namely Kasumulu – Songwe
border between Malawi and Tanzania and one between Tunduma and Nakonde
in Zamzbia.
The move follows an agreement by EAC partner states to come up with
the East African Community One Stop Border Post Act, 2013 whereas it
allowed formation of the border posts at Namanga, Holili, Rusumo,
Mtukula Horohoro and Kabanga, which are at final stages.
Tabling the bill in the National Assembly yesterday, Finance Deputy
Minister, Adam Malima said absence of the law was causing chaos to
people, especially traders who had to go through inspections in
countries to complete tariff and immigration process.
“Apart from easing movements, the law shall enhance revenue
collection as there will be transparency and proper management of tax
systems,” said Malima.
He, however, noted that the law puts in place a system on how
member states are going to deal with crime matters committed by
Tanzanians within the community.
Reading recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Infrastructure, Aliko Kibona said the current system causes
inconvenience to cross border transporters owing to unfriendly business
environment within the EAC.
“We have been advising the government and the EAC to reduce the
non-tariff barriers so as to create a friendly environment. But similar
efforts must be made to ensure one stop border posts with landlocked
countries that import their goods through the Dar es Salaam port,” said
Kibona.
He said the committee advices the government to review Transit
Goods Act because the turnaround time period provided is too small.
He said sometimes transporters use more than 60 days to cross the
border and return to the country, thus failing to meet the 30 days
deadline.
Contributing, David Silinde (Mbozi West – Chadema) urged the
government to fast track the establishment of the one-stop-border post
at the Tunduma – Nakonde border to enhance revenue collection.
He said the government collects Sh3bn per month at Tunduma, yet it is reluctant to improve it.
“You should now consider the Tunduma border…the government is
likely to get more than Sh36bn from just a single border per year.
“This border is crucial since it is used by many countries namely
the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, South Africa and
Zamzbia,” said the legislator.
Longido Member of Parliament, Michael Laizer (CCM) wanted the
government to create an environment that can allow livestock to pass the
Namanga border in Arusha Region while in vehicles.
He said the current system discourages traders because they are
forced to use illegal routes to take their livestock to Kenya, thus
denying the government revenue.
According to Laizer, more than 4,000 livestock from Tanzania are sold in Kenya.
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