West Sepik improves revenue collection

 THE Sandaun government has improved on its revenue collection in recent years, it was revealed yesterday.

Provincial administrator Henry Norm said the province collected K4.7 million last year compared to K2.4 million in 2013.

“Our objective is not to be entirely dependent on National Government funding of grants and development funds. As a province we want to stand on our own in terms of 

fiscal capacity development to fund our critical infrastructure such as roads,” Norm said.  

“Our internal revenue is generated from traditional sources – timber levies, GST (goods and services tax), liquor licence fees, vehicle licence and registration. We are still working at increasing collections in these areas in trying to make State land available for commercial developing. From these the GST will improve.”

“From log related levies we are collaborating to collect heavy vehicle registration which Department of Transport has granted as exemption to the developers. 

“Current timber levies are collected between K1 to K1.50 per cubic metre. 

“When we come to review of the agreements we can negotiate on increasing the rates.”

He added that their targeted revenue for this year was K5.7 million.

Norm said the provincial government was working on new revenue sources including investing in areas that would generate dividends. 

“We have set up West Sepik Investments Ltd in 2013 to venture into business activities for this reason,” he said.

He said however, the new business arm of the provincial government was facing challenges.

“There are challenges we need to overcome in order to get there. 

“We have started in terms of land mobilisation and on other possible sources and trust in God to help us. We find our courage in Him,” Norm said.