‘TOO MANY CHARGES STIFLING AGRO GROWTH - ZIMBA
By MAILESI BANDA THE development of the agriculture sector in Zambia is being stifled by increased fees, charges and penalties by Government departments and quasi government institutions, Zambia National Farmers Union, (ZNFU), president, Jervis Zimba has said.
Mr. Zimba said the increasing involvement of government in business especially in the agriculture sector is generating concerns among the agribusiness sector because of distortionary effects.
Mr. Zimba noted that while competition in business is healthy and should be encouraged there was need for the creation of a level playing field for both the government and the private sector to compete.
“Progression of agriculture in this country is also being stifled by increased fees, charges and penalties by Government departments and quasi government departments institutions such as WARMA, ZEMA, Zambia Competition Commission, RTSA, veterinary fees and charges for veterinary services,” Mr. Zimba said.
Mr. Zimba expressed concern that the Water Resources Management Authority board (WARMA) has not been appointed, saying this was affecting the economic growth of the country as investments remain on hold.
He explained that the agriculture sector continues to face added costs of doing business as local councils charge council levies when products are transported across council jurisdictions markets while on the other hand council levies do not apply to similar products that are imported.
He urged Government to set formulate ways and work out measures so that agriculture products should only pay agreed upon levies once in the locality where they are produced and not beyond.
He advised that mechanisms be put in place to subject the same levies on similar products that are imported.
Mr. Zimba said while these developments are motivated by revenue generation targets there was no regard to the effects they have on business.