LUBINDA PROMISES TO CUT PAYE TO 15%, SAYS HE IS READY TO WORK WITH GARY NKOMBO.
Former Patriotic Front (PF) Vice President Given Lubinda has pledged to reduce Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to
15 percent if Zambians give him the mandate to lead the country one day.
Mr. Lubinda says Zambian workers are currently overburdened with taxes, leaving them with little disposable income to improve their living standards.
Speaking in a walk-in interview with Zambian Watch today in Lusaka, Mr. Lubinda said his administration would prioritise reducing taxes on ordinary citizens while shifting greater responsibility for government revenue collection towards the mining sector
He argued that it was unfair for ordinary workers to shoulder a heavy tax burden while mining companies enjoyed tax incentives.
“My priority would be to allow Zambians to have more money by cutting taxes and reducing Pay As You Earn to 15 percent. This will help a lot of Zambians develop,” Mr. Lubinda said.
When questioned why he failed to introduce such measures during his time in government, Mr. Lubinda explained that he was not the President and therefore could not determine the government’s overall priorities.
“You are asking me why I did not do all these things when I was in power? The answer is very simple: I was not President. Every President that comes will have his or her own priorities,” he explained.
Mr. Lubinda further accused the government of placing excessive financial pressure on workers instead of ensuring that the mining industry contributed more to national revenue
“My focus for revenue collection will be in the mines. Mines are on tax holiday, but Zambians pay heavily through Pay As You Earn. How is that helping Zambians to have more money?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda has cautioned President Hakainde Hichilema against attempting to extend presidential term limits, warning that such a move could have regrettable consequences.
He urged the Head of State to resist any temptation to alter presidential tenure provisions.
And in a political development, Mr. Lubinda has expressed willingness to work with former Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Gary Chilala Nkombo if Zambians believe such cooperation would serve the country’s interests.
Mr. Lubinda described Mr. Nkombo as an intelligent and patriotic leader, saying he had no personal difficulties working with him.
“You say people are saying I should work with Honourable Gary Nkombo? I have never heard of that. This is my first time, but if that is the case, why not?” he asked.
“He is intelligent, patriotic to this country and real. I can definitely work with him if those are the wishes of Zambians,” Mr. Lubinda said.
Zambian Watch.