KIGALI - The Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa, has said that people who do not pay taxes on time derail government development programmes, and contributes to the sluggishness of the economy.

He made the remarks yesterday at the city’s popular street commonly known as Quartier Matheus in Nyarugenge District while launching a one-week sensitization campaign on tax compliance in Kigali City.

"You remember that President Kagame was here during the campaigns and promised to develop this country; he cannot fulfill his pledge without your support. We need to collaborate with him in order to succeed,” he said

"Your collaboration is only through paying taxes on time so that we can meet our targets like constructing better roads that will ease transportation of your goods.”

He further noted that the country’s entrepreneurs should reap from the East African Common Market in order to elevate their economic status as well as developing the country’s economy.

"You should cross your arms as foreign business operators export their goods to your country while you’re not exporting yours in there countries. You should also export our goods; this will increase your income and develop our country.”
On the problem of accessing loans that was raised by businessmen, Rwangombwa promised them that they are in the process of attracting foreign investors to initiate private equity funds that will enable them access adequate loans.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kigali City, Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, warned taxpayers that, they only have three weeks to have cleared their tax dues or face penalties.

"The deadline is only three weeks away; all those who will not have paid will be fined with 40% of what their supposed to pay,” said Kirabo.

She added that city council had targeted to collect Rwf19 billion from June 2010-June 2011 unfortunately only 3.5 billion has been raised, which he said, has derailed infrastructure development in the city like lighting the streets.

The campaign that kicked off yesterday will continue in the districts of Gasabo and Kicukiro.

The taxes demanded by Kigali City include property tax, trading licenses, rental income and land lease tax.

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