The polemics between government and cement importers serves no purpose. Foroyaa has sent a reporter to Kerr Ayip to monitor the claim that trucks, each loaded with 1000 bags of cement, at the border are unable to move to their destination.
Foroyaa requested for a receipt for any previous payments made. They gave receipts indicating payment of VAT and processing fee at D30. A D30,000 receipt was issued for 1000 bags. According to them, every truck carries 1000 bags and truckers have been paying D30,000 for VAT and processing fee. The Foroyaa reporter counted more than 30 transports in the queue waiting to pay their VAT and processing fee as before.
Asked why they are still in the queue, they claim that they have been informed that they have to pay D180 per bag for VAT and other fees. This means that instead of paying D30 per bag, they will now have to pay D180. They argue that their businesses will be closed down if the VAT and other fees are increased from D30 to D180.
Foroyaa will review the law on VAT to determine what it says in order to understand the point at issue. We are yet to see any receipt indicating that D180,000 has been paid for VAT and other fees. Foroyaa will contact GRA on the matter. Any importer who has paid D180000 for importing 1000 bags of cement bought from Senegal for VAT and other fees may assist Foroyaa for scrutiny. Foroyaa will get to the bottom of this and inform its readers accordingly.
