MPs back use of EFDs to boost govt coffers

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Ludewa legislator, Deo Filikunjombe (CCM)

 Members of Parliament have urged the government to ensure effective use of the Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) throughout the country in order to boost the country’s revenue collection.

 

The MP made the emphasis to that end in Dodoma on Wednesday when contributing to the Finance Minister’s speech on 2015/16 government budget that was tabled in the house last week Thursday.

 

Ludewa legislator, Deo Filikunjombe (CCM) cited the intricate need for traders to use EFDs saying it is the responsibility of every citizen to pay tax. 

“This matter shouldn’t be politicised if we are to realise the needed development,” he said.

 

Special Seats MP, Kidawa Hamad Saleh (CCM) said the government must collect revenue to implement various projects, it is only through the use of electronic receipt machines that the government can meet its revenue collection targets.

 

“Tanzanians must change their mindsets and build a culture of demanding for receipts whenever they purchase commodities, this would push traders to start using the devices,” she said.

 

Tabling the 2015/16 national budget in the National Assembly last week Finance Minister Saada Mkuya said the government aims at increasing its revenue collections by ensuring effective use of EFDs.

 

Mkuya said the government failed to reach its collection targets in the financial year ending this June due to trader’s reluctance to use the machines.

 

 She however noted that starting July this year, the central government, departments and agencies will themselves adopt and enforce use of the electronic receipt machines.

 

According her, in the 2014/15 financial year, the government planned to collect 12.2trn from its revenue and non revenue sources but it ended up collecting only 8trn/- which is equivalent to 72 per cent. She attributed the low revenue to little use of EFDs.

 

In a related development, addressing the House mid this week in Dodoma, Mwibara Member of Parliament, Kangi Lugola (CCM) urged the government to invest in industries in order to increase exports. He said the country’s exports are too low as a result Shilling keeps on depreciating against US Dollar.

 

Lugola noted that there are some products that Tanzania imports yet they can be produced locally such as soaps, rulers, toothpicks and razor blades.

 

 “It is a shame for the country to keep on importing goods from China, United States and even Kenya while we have the capacity to produce them,” he said.