Blantyre City Council intends to close down businesses with outstanding tax arrears following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum the council gave businesses to settle their dues.
Blantyre City Council Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman announced the decision during a media briefing organised to address issues such as progress made on city rates collections.
The council seeks to recover approximately K8 billion owed by businesses, which it states hinders the effective provision of city services.
Osman said the council was a service provider and required residents to contribute through the payment of city rates.
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He raised concern over individuals attempting to evade taxes by associating with political parties, institutions or prominent figures.
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Osman said that his administration would not tolerate this behaviour and that it would expose anyone attempting to use such connections to avoid paying city rates.
He highlighted gaps in service provision, including damaged road infrastructure, inadequate streetlights and public structures that have to be rehabilitated.
Osman also assured residents that his administration would maintain a safe and clean city, warning against property damage.
These remarks follow his outlined vision to make Blantyre the cleanest and safest city in Africa, free from street children, street vending and Kabaza operations in the central business zone.
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Economist Mavin Banda commended the mayor’s approach, noting that corruption and politics have long hampered city rate collections.
“Noncompliance to tax measures comes for two reasons, either businesses deliberately choose not to or the business environment is unfriendly for them to pay but, in our case, we have both factors and this is not even surprising.
“So, the council should mean their words and implement mechanisms that would really address noncompliance on the ground,” Banda said.
