ZIMRA ditches local currency in auction

MOREBLESSING MARANGE

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has come under fire for selling obsolete equipment in one of its facilities strictly in United States dollars, a move described by lawmakers as a vote of no confidence in the local currency.

ZIMRA’s insistence on the use of the United States dollar in its auction in Victoria Falls comes amid pressure for government linked entities to show the way by using the local currency instead of resorting to foreign currency.

The use of local currency by government linked entities, observers say, will bring confidence to use the same by ordinary people and business.

Emakhandeni-Luveve Member of Parliament Discent Bajila said: “I rise on point of national interest that arises from the advertisement by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority which has been flighted across numerous media platforms and channels.

“According to the advertisement, the ZIMRA will conduct an auction of its obsolete equipment, including vehicles, office furniture, fridges, and other items at Mhlahlandlela and Victoria Falls offices on 27 June 2024.”

“My attention was brought to the notice that all payments for this auction are strictly in United States Dollars.  While other words in the notice fall on normal font, the word strictly has been put in bold to emphasise the point,” Bajila said.

“This is tantamount to a vote of no confidence on the local currency by our tax collector. To prevent the use of local currency even for the purchase of second-hand goods, is the highest level of contempt by the tax collector.  I, thus call upon the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to bring ZIMRA to order and to allow the use of both foreign and local currency in these transactions if we have confidence in the local currency.”