Fury as Rasanga orders stoppage of projects over tax boycott

Governor Cornel Rasanga, who said development in the wards would only happen if residents paid taxes. [Photo, Standard]

A row is brewing between Governor Cornel Rasanga and ward representatives he accuses of inciting market traders against paying taxes.

On Tuesday, the governor directed his Trade and Finance executive to stop implementation of projects in Central Alego and West Asembo wards, accusing the wards’ reps, Leonard Oriaro (Central Alego) and Ambrose Akuno (West Asembo) of inciting market traders to stop paying taxes.

“I am directing the two CECs to ensure that no development project will continue in the two wards until traders start paying taxes. I will not use funds from other wards... to develop those that are not paying,” he said.

Traders in a number of markets in the county have in the recent past refused to pay market fees citing lack of toilets and lights. They also complained of uncollected garbage and poor drainage facilities.

Affect development

But Mr Rasanga insisted that the rates must be paid, saying the boycott would adversely affect development in the county.

“It is the people who fund government projects. If someone incites residents not to pay revenue, they must be ready to carry the burden,” said Rasanga.

The governor said development in the wards would only happen if residents paid taxes.

Akuno and Oriaro defended the boycott, saying traders stopped paying taxes after several complaints against the conditions of the markets went unheeded. 

“Aram market is famous for cattle business and our traders have been complaining that poor road network was failing them. There is nothing going on in that market because of poor roads,” said Akuno

Oriaro said Rasanga’s threat to freeze development in his ward proved he was ignorant of the law and that his visit to the markets was an admission of failure.