Concerned University of Zambia (UNZA ) students have commended the move by First Quantum Mining Company (FQMC) for its pledge to pay all outstanding mining tax arrears to government.
The Students told ZANIS in an interview , in Lusaka today, that they are grateful to the mining company over its intentions to pay off all its outstanding tax arrears to the State.
They have since appealed to all mining companies in Zambia to maintain consistency when it comes to payment of tax to the government.
One of the students Naomi Phiri, , a 4th year Economics Student, said the FQMC gesture will help supplement government efforts in building a strong economy.
“Consistency in the payment of tax remittance will help the Zambian government realize enough revenue to build a strong economy” she said.
Ms Phiri added that most Zambians feel that tax from the mines will positively affect several activities that will bring about development.
Her third year developmental Studies counterpart, Joe Kabaso, stressed that consistency in the payment of remittance tax by all mines. He said this will further help create employment for the local people.
Mr Kabaso noted that the revenue collected from the mines can be used to boost other industries such as the nitrogen chemicals of Zambia that can in turn create more employment opportunities for the local people.
“Tax from the mining sector will raise the standard of living in Zambia because more people will be employed when other industries are revamped” he noted.
However, Janet Besa, second year developmental studies students said other more mines should emulate first Quantum mine in remitting all taxes.
She commended the government for bringing the caliber of investors that are concerned with the plight of many Zambians, by being partners in terms of development with the Zambian government.
First Quantum Minerals is soon expected to pay Government accrued tax arrears amounting to about US$224 million.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed this yesterday shortly after opening
the Access Bank Economic Review and Trade Finance Seminar in Lusaka.
Dr. Musokotwane said Government has been collecting good taxes from the mines, which remains the country’s biggest tax contributor.
ZANIS
The loser students. Concur with government or get shut down or be bribed with allowances. Where are you going to put your vote folks?
NI RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRB NAFUTI NAFUTI WETHA U LAUGH OR CRY, ITS NON NEGOTIABLE MALUME HE HE HE HE
Why should anyone be grateful,infact these miners should be penalized for not paying their tax on time; we Zambians are an emabrrasment to humanity really…imagine an indigenous Zambian company or an individual defaulting in his/her tax obligations,what would be the consequences
Should I expect thanks from those students for paying my taxes on time?
The students are an embarrassment to the country.This is the economics they are learning at UNZA of thanking companies that are defaulting in paying taxes. The companies should pay with interest when they withhold taxes or late payment.
That’s the calibre of University students we have now. I think they are just overwhelmed by the recent increase in their meal allowances.
awe sure ba pf babwelakofye.
FCUKING AESRHOLES mmd out and in with the new. What about all the other mines I hope they follow suit they are making billions so back taxes are due.
I am not sure if this money is arrears or it is money that the companies had intended to not to pay (tax evasion) because our politicians are in their pockets. If this money is as a result from foreign NGOs pressure, then these mining companies must not be commended but slapped with penalties in addition to the money that they should have paid. That I believe is the law. These students must remain critical of the govt instead of being bribed by increased meal allowances. After all even if they do not realize it now, govt has an obligation to support their education and therefore they are not obliged to appease the current govt. In addition UNZA, played a big role in introducing, multiparty politics, even though many Zambians have forgotten that, so they need to be critical.