President Salva Kiir Mayardit Monday exhorted the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) to intensify its collection of non-oil revenue with a view to boosting the country’s fragile economy beyond oil and gas intakes.
Oil accounts for over 90% to 98% of government revenue from which up to 90% of its fiscal income is derived.
The so-called ‘black gold’ also represents over 80% of the world’s newest country’s GDP, leaving it prone to shocks from world price instabilities.
Receiving a progress report from the SSRA Commissioner General, Moun Deng Ajuet in Juba, President Kiir stressed that stronger domestic revenue mobilisation was imperative to reducing reliance on oil and supporting long-term economic stability.
He urged the Authority to ‘do what others have not done before’ by widening the tax base, strengthen accountability, and adopt innovative schemes which would maintain the momentum of non-oil revenue growth.
Moun’s report reflects a steady increase in collections since February, attributing the progress to administrative reforms that have reduced leakages and improved efficiency within the system.
According to him this improved revenue collection level will put the government in good stead to sustain timely monthly payments of salaries of civil service employees.
WN/as/APA