Huge responsibility on Namra’s shoulders – Geingob

Huge responsibility on Namra’s shoulders – Geingob‘Be a world-class agency’ With the establishment of the agency, tax collection has been moved from government. OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

President Hage Geingob has said there is a huge responsibility placed on the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) to be world-class.

Geingob made the remarks at the launch of the agency yesterday.

With the establishment of Namra, tax collection has been moved from government to the semi-autonomous agency.

“In exchange for the operational autonomy that is conferred on the revenue agency, there is great public expectation on the impact of the agency on the public revenue landscape and socioeconomic development outcomes,” Geingob said.

He challenged Namra to be world-class.

“Be a world-class revenue agency that is attuned to the national development goals and an exemplary institution on accountability, transparency, institutional governance and ethical leadership,” he said.

High standards

Namra staff members are expected to fulfil their duties to high standards.

“The administering of tax laws and the collection of state revenue demand high standards of integrity and customer-centric service delivery which should permeate in the day-to-day conduct of activities of the agency,” the president said.

Geingob further warned members of Namra that they would face the wrath of the law should they be complicit in corrupt activities.

“In a rule-based environment such as ours, staff members who make themselves guilty of corruption, bribery and graft should be dealt with expeditiously so that the good name and reputation of Namra is upheld from its infancy,” Geingob said.

To get the agency off the ground, a total of N$79 million has been budgeted for its operations. To that end, Geingob said the investment in Namra should be proved worthwhile.

“The investment in this institution should pay off in terms of increased productivity, effective teamwork environment and increased customer satisfaction. As we build the Namibian House, let Namra be a centre of harmonious work relations where no single staff member should feel left out,” Geingob said.

Former tax commissioner Sam Shivute is the agency’s founding commissioner.