Local Development Tax!

Increase expenditures, challenges in economic performances and general rise in free market-influenced ideas have among others pushed governments to decentralise their operations in order to induce competition within their services, contract out to private firms operating in the market, and entirely or partially privatise some functions and services.

Since the process was introduced in Cameroon, government has been putting bits and pieces of policies with the aim of effectively transferring decision making powers and delegating commensurate authority to local councils. But from every indication, the whole process of decentralisation is better said than done if the administration relents in its effort to push it ahead. This is explained by the fact that it requires quite a chunk of resources since it entails engaging in development projects in order to improve the lives of the population.

The institution of property tax, which existed several years back but which many had not been paying because of lack of information for some and exhibition of bad faith for others, is coming in as an oxygen balloon for the councils. In effect, the special campaign for property owners to honour their civic duty sets out to swell the coffers of local councils and ensure they possess enough revenue to finance socio-economic projects in their areas of jurisdiction.

As from January next year that is roughly two weeks from now, the axe of the law will descend on defaulters. Officials of the taxation department are already sharpening their claws to that effect. The special operation appears to be highly considerate especially as it gives the leeway for tax payers to solely declare their property. Those who will miss this opportunity will surely have themselves to blame.

But the whole issue is not only paying the propert...