Ferwafa to clear RRA debt

RWANDA Football Federation has formally agreed with Rwanda Revenue Authoirty to clear its tax arrears totalling Rwf15 million in a space of fifteen months.Ferwafa chairman Celestin Abega Ntagungira told Times Sport yesterday in an exclusive interview that the FA’s accounts have been opened after they were blocked by Rwanda Revenue Authority a few days ago over accrued debts.Ntagungira said, “When we came into office in 2011, we discovered that the Federation owed Rwanda Revenue Authority Rwf49 million. We have done our best to clear the debt. This was the second time that our accounts had been frozen but we have found a lasting solution.”“Early this year, we cleared part of the debt. We have agreed to pay RRA Rwf1 million effective end of July until the remaining Rwf15 millions is cleared. It is not easy since Ferwafa depends on grants from Fifa and Caf which are strictly sent to cover specific activities and salaries of our employees,” he said.“However, we are trying our best and we believe this issue will be sorted out. We are also in talks with the Ministry of Sports and Culture to help the Federation clear these inherited debts because this problem is affecting our daily operation,” said Ntagungira.He also commended the Ministry of Sports and Culture which cleared debts amounting to Rwf. 1 billion a few years back which were incurred by the national team as well through other activities under the previous administration.Besides RRA, the local football federation owes Social Security Board (RSSB) Rwf22 million, La Palisse Hotel [Rwf34 million], Alpha Palace Hotel [Rwf. 22 million], Confederation of African Football [$250,000], among other creditors.The current administration which says that they have not incurred any debts since they assumed office three years ago have to find a modality of paying the creditors.