Alkalo
of Latriya village in Kombo North District has challenged the country’s tax
Authorities and the Area Councils to ensure the proper utilization of the
taxpayers’ monies.
Burama Darboe also called on the people to
always pay their taxes to enable them to benefit from meaningful services in
their respective communities.
He
said because The Gambia has a tax-based economy, people cannot just ignore
their tax obligations. “We need better services, such as water, electricity and
education. Therefore, we must pay our taxes in order to benefit from these
services from government.”
Mr
Darboe indicated that without tax, it would be difficult for government to
initiate meaningful development. “Therefore, let us honor our tax obligation
which is very important in our development aspirations.”
He
urged people to change their mindsets toward paying their taxes, reminding that
people need to know that the tax collected is plough back to the community in
the form of projects and programs. “Even Alkalolus must honour their tax
obligation and I see no reason why others who are entitled to pay cannot or
refuse to pay.
Mr
Darboe said people need to know that it is the tax that people pay that is use
to develop the country, saying it is through taxes that more development is
brought to the doorstep of the taxpayers.
He
thus advised tax Authorities to intensify their tax education outreach so as to
ensure more voluntary tax compliance.
