Action Aid Zambia surprised govt has resumed paying VAT refunds to mines

Action Aid Zambia has described as surprising government’s decision to resume the payment of VAT refunds to mining companies.

Action Aid Country Director Pamela Chisanga has told QFM News that Government should demonstrate to the nation that it had saved money it paying mining companies their VAT refunds.

Ms Chisanga tells Qfm says the decision by government to resume payments of VAT refunds is surprising for a number of reasons.

Pamela Chisanga

She explains that for a country that is laterally broke, it is strange and shocking to learn of such a decision to pay back VAT refunds.

Ms Chisanga says it is for this reason government through the ministry of Mines should clearly explain where the monies to pay VAT refunds will come from.

She stresses that government should also indicate if the monies had been held in an account and for what period of time.

Ms Chisanga adds that giving Zambians facts on the basis of the decision to resume repayment of VAT refunds will help them understand the whole issue and eventually promote transparency.