The Principal Revenue Coordinator of Freetown City Council Ibrahim Kamara revealed on Friday that council had made a little over one billion Leones from local tax collection exercise.
He said council had initially targeted a stipulated amount of 3 billion Leones, but he said it was becoming difficult to collect taxes from people from certain quarters.
Mr. Kamara said although the deadline of 15th august had past, they were still hopeful of getting the targeted amount. Responding to claims of harassment by City Council Officials who collect taxes, Mr. Kamara stated that it was not the mandate of council to harass or molest anyone for taxes.
He however pointed out that irrespective of the problems they were experiencing from some individuals; majority of the public were cooperating.
He explained that “many people are refusing to pay their taxes because of political reasons.” Mr. Kamara stated that there had been many questions from people of what council was doing to build more markets, construct roads, and provide pipe borne water.
He said council had put plans in place to address most of these problems.
By Abdul Samba Brima