Pay levies, Samfya council appeals

SAMFYA Town Council Secretary Francis Nkhoma has appealed to businesses and individuals to pay their levies as the enforcement of council levies cannot be a success if those eligible do not comply.

Mr Nkhoma has taken a step further by getting on the ground to monitor how levies are being collected by the revenue collectors.

Mr Nkhoma said the local authority has embarked on a five - day programme to help its officers in collection of funds in all revenue points which includes markets, barriers and bus stations.

He said that the team which is being headed by chief officers from the six departments were on the ground monitoring and collecting levies to alleviate financial constraints faced by the local authority.

He disclosed that it was time his management team went on the ground to appreciate how funds were collected and the challenges faced by officers in collecting revenue.

He said in as much as he understood the efforts made by the revenue collectors in bringing funds in the coffers of the Council, he, however felt that a lot has to be done in terms of revenue collection if the local authority had to deliver sufficient services to its residents.

“Our revenue base is too low, so as a management we have decided to physically get involved and monitor all activities in relation to levy collections. We also want to grasp the challenges our officers might be encountering in the field," Mr Nkhoma said.

And Mr Nkhoma said residents required to pay the levies must do so if they want to see improved service from the council in their localities.