Zimra to get new board by December

A new board for the government's taxes and revenue collection agency, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will be appointed by December as the state seeks to increase efficiency and stamp out corruption.

The dissolution of the ZIMRA board by the government earlier this month has seen the authority's executive reporting directly to treasury.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Mr George Guvamatanga told reporters on Friday that the selection process of a new board is in progress ahead of its appointment.

"We shall be announcing the board very soon because it is an issue that we are really seized with at the moment," said Mr Guvamatanga.

Concerned with alleged instances of fraud, corruption, inefficiencies at ZIMRA, tax and custom duty evasions at border posts, the government has engaged an International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultant Mr Peter Dostler who is upbeat about turnaround prospects of the agency.

"If it is possible then we can focus on what is ideal to ensure that this economy can be in a position to create favourable conditions of stability," Mr Dostler said.

Asked to comment about alleged malpractices, corruption and inefficiencies, ZIMRA Commissioner General Mrs Faith Mazani says the authority is committed to transparent and accountable systems.

"We are doing our best to ensure that we can be in a position to boost viability and unlock funds to key sectors of the economy," said Mrs Mazani.

In a related development, the authority is formulating a strategic plan to fulfill government's thrust towards increasing revenue collections.