The Warrap State government declared the implementation of household taxes last Friday, following the approval of a tax bill early last year. Citizens are required to pay SSP 2,000 per household, with each chief responsible for 501 eligible taxpayers as per the Local Government Act of 2009.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Tor Malual, the Twic County paramount chief of Ajak Kuac Payam, expressed concerns about the mandatory taxation. He emphasized that chiefs have no choice but to enforce the governor’s order, even though some residents may struggle to pay due to insecurity and the adverse effects of climate change.
“The governor imposed the taxation on us, issuing an order for everyone to pay SSP 2,000. We are uncertain about the start date for collection. Our Payam is severely affected by communal conflict, and other challenges, including poor harvests from the last agricultural year, are known to me as a responsible person in the Kuac Madut Riing area,” he stated.
Malual explained that insufficient rainfall and communal violence resulted in failed farms, making some households unable to pay taxes as residents were displaced and lived in fear.
“The poor yields due to inadequate rains left vulnerable people struggling to meet tax obligations. Despite this, the government issued a firm order for tax collection. Chiefs are apprehensive because non-compliance could lead to the removal of their chieftaincy, which would be transferred to a more capable chief. We, the chiefs, are fearful of this stringent directive, as it could result in the loss of our chieftaincies to someone else,” he said cautiously.
Similarly, Gola Adim Adim, the chief of Kuac South Payam in Gogrial West County, expressed concerns about the challenges posed by displacement and insecurity in meeting social services taxes.
“I believe that this year is not suitable for collecting household taxes, considering the floods since June last year, drought in some areas, conflicts resulting in burnt houses and agricultural produce, as well as livestock raids in conflicts between the Apuk and Jur River County of Wau, and the Aguok and Kuac communities. In Gogrial West County alone, more than 500 houses were burnt, along with their properties,” he explained.
Chief Adim has urged the state government to involve humanitarian organizations in assisting people facing essential needs. “We call upon the Warrap State government to notify humanitarian organizations to help those in need, as many household heads are unsure how their children will survive. In my opinion, there should be no tax this year. Perhaps, if conflicts cease, and consistent rains prevail, the government can then rightfully collect social taxes,” he emphasized.
Moses Madot, a member of Warrap State Legislative Assembly, asserted that social tax is a universal obligation that everyone must commit to and pay. He clarified that the taxation bill, requiring payment of SSP 2,000 by taxpayers, was unanimously passed by the parliament last year.
“The social services tax is not new; it was established during the colonial era by the British system. Last year, the Warrap State Legislative Assembly passed the taxation bill, and it was not the governor who imposed it but the Minister of Local Government during the tenure of the former governor. Those unable to afford it due to poor harvests or conflicts should address the issue through the county commissioner and follow the proper procedures,” he explained.
William Wol Mayom, Warrap State Minister for Information, denied that the new taxes are an imposition on the people, insisting that they are being implemented in accordance with the law.
“This is not the imposition of taxes on the people; it aligns with the Local Government Act of 2009, stating that every executive chief is recognized when meeting the requirement of 501 taxpayers. The SSP 2,000 is to be paid by the taxpayer, and its effectiveness is yet to be implemented,” he stated.
Wol clarified that exceptions would be made in case of natural disasters in certain areas. “Those unable to pay taxes due to crises will be considered by commissioners, and this should not be generalized to every household. Household tax is not even connected with communal conflict. Executive chiefs are aware of those affected by natural disasters and should consider them. I am not aware of the number of chiefs due to the creation of more positions during defunct states,” he further explained.
To contact Radio Tamazuj with comments, news tips or information, write to radiotamazuj@gmail.com or use the contact form.