DODOMA: BUS owners in the country are seeking to meet Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda to present their request against an increase in import duty charged on brand new vehicles.
In a letter dated August 24, 2015, Tanzania Bus Owners’ Association is requesting an appointment with Mr Pinda to request his intervention in a row over increased import duty from 10 to 25 per cent effective July 1, 2015.
Over 100 Chinese made buses are stranded at Dar es Salaam Port as TABOA members argue their case against Treasury to allow them pay the 10 per cent duty which expired on June 30, 2015.
“With due respect, we are requesting for an appointment with Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda to present our grievances over a letter which originated from your office which was read to us by Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Tiagi Kabisi which contradicts a request made to him,” TABOA’s letter signed by Vice-Chairman, Abdallah Muhamad and addressed to the Prime Minister’s Secretary said.
TABOA wants the PM to assist in finding a solution to the issue of the tariff row which Finance Minister Saada Mkuya Salum has said is irreversible because it’s an East African Customs Management Act of 2004 which sets the Common External Tariff at 25 per cent.
“Attached are letters dated August 18 and 20, 2015, addressed to the PM and Permanent Secretary at Treasury respectively to initiate a process of requesting for tariff reduction from 25 to 10 per cent through stay of application to be presented to East African Community Finance Ministers meeting scheduled for September 2015,” the letter reads in part.
TABOA Secretary General, Enea Mrutu said they hope that an audience with Pinda will help resolve the row which is affecting the economy since last July.
“Our members are increasingly being frustrated by this stand off because these brand new buses were ordered four months ago but have been delayed by factory manufacturing process and availability of shipping liners to bring them over,” Mrutu argued while disputing Ms Salum’s offer that they pay the duty in installments.
Mrutu argued that TABOA members got loans from commercial banks which were in respect to the prevailing 10 per cent import duty at the time hence have no means to bridge the gap.
