Eastern Equatoria government has taken the initiative to reduce taxes in a bid to combat an alarming price hike on essential goods.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore told the state assembly yesterday while opening its third session that tax cuts will reduce commodity prices and stimulate a vibrant economy in the state, Emmanuel Radio reported.The governor announced that agricultural implements will be tax free to encourage investment on farming.
Mr. Lobong announced that imported food stuff will have taxes reduced from 15 to five per cent and local products from seven to three per cent.
He added that consumers will pay of one Sudanese pound of tax per litre of fuel.
Eastern Equatoria also reduced taxes on construction material from 15 to seven per cent, to boost investment in housing, help returnees to build their homes, attract investment, create jobs and ease the cost of living in the state.
Mr. Lobong told the MPs that Eastern Equatoria raised concerns to the Government of Southern Sudan on the multiple and unauthorized tax collection by individuals at the borders.
He added that a committee set to investigate the practice has recommended the removal of all unauthorized tax collectors.