Zimra Sets Ambitious Revenue Target of $6.7 Billion The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has unveiled an ambitious revenue target of $6.7 billion for the 2023 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s target. This ambitious goal is driven by Zimbabwe’s efforts to stabilize its economy and reduce its reliance on external funding. Zimra Commissioner-General Faith Mazani attributed the increased target to the expected economic growth in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. She emphasized the need for enhanced tax compliance and efficient revenue collection to support the government’s development agenda. The revenue target will be pursued through a range of measures, including: * Strengthening Tax Compliance: Zimra plans to increase audits, enhance investigation capabilities, and implement modern technologies to detect tax evasion and ensure accurate reporting. * Widening the Tax Base: The authority aims to expand the tax base by bringing more individuals and businesses into the tax net through increased registration and enforcement. * Improving Tax Administration: Zimra will prioritize efficiency and transparency in its operations, reducing red tape and providing better customer service. Achieving the $6.7 billion revenue target will have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s economy. It will provide the government with the necessary resources to fund essential services, invest in infrastructure, and promote economic development. Mazani urged the public to support Zimra’s efforts by fulfilling their tax obligations and reporting any cases of non-compliance. She emphasized that tax revenue is vital for the country’s progress and well-being. The ambitious revenue target reflects Zimra’s commitment to playing a key role in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery. By effectively collecting taxes, the authority aims to contribute to a stable and prosperous future for the nation.The Auckland City Mission’s Te Ao Mārama, a housing facility for people with high needs located on Day Street in the Auckland CBD, has come under scrutiny for allegedly contributing to anti-social behavior in the surrounding area.The Auckland City Mission’s Te Ao Mārama, a housing facility for people with high needs located on Day Street in the Auckland CBD, has come under scrutiny for allegedly contributing to anti-social behavior in the surrounding area. Residents and business owners on Karangahape Road have raised concerns with Police Minister Mark Mitchell, citing incidents of drug dealing, property damage, and violence that they believe originate from Te Ao Mārama. Melanie Roger, who runs a gallery on K’ Road, claims that since the Mission moved its social housing to Day Street, there has been a significant increase in aggression and anti-social behavior, affecting both the community and the gallery. Roger believes that Te Ao Mārama residents are not receiving adequate support, leading to high-needs tenants feeling intimidated and low-need tenants feeling unsafe. He advocates for more comprehensive support, including addressing chronic addiction and mental illness. Liam Fox, owner of the Fort Greene coffee shop near Day Street, cautions against scapegoating the residents of Te Ao Mārama, emphasizing that the issues are part of a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach. Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson maintains that the Mission does not tolerate criminal or anti-social behavior on its premises and supports the need for more assistance for Te Ao Mārama residents. She highlights that without the facility, 30 people would be living on the streets and another 30 would be stuck in emergency housing. Auckland Police acknowledge the increased calls for service in the Day Street area but emphasize their efforts to collaborate with other agencies to find solutions. Two additional CCTV cameras have been installed to enhance monitoring and response, and police visibility along Karangahape Road has been increased.ZIMRA, Zimbabwe’s revenue authority, has set an ambitious revenue target of $6.7 billion for the 2023 fiscal year. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s target of $5.8 billion. In a statement released on Monday, ZIMRA Commissioner-General Rameck Masaire said the agency is confident of achieving the target through a combination of measures, including: * Enhancing tax compliance: ZIMRA plans to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance through increased audits, investigations, and enforcement actions. * Expanding the tax base: The agency will focus on identifying and bringing more taxpayers into the tax net, particularly in the informal sector. * Improving tax administration: ZIMRA will invest in technology and human resources to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. The Commissioner-General emphasized the importance of meeting the revenue target for the government’s budget and economic development. He called on businesses and individuals to fulfill their tax obligations and contribute to the country’s growth. ZIMRA has been under pressure to improve revenue collection in recent years due to declining economic activity and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the agency has consistently exceeded its targets, and the $6.7 billion target represents a vote of confidence in its ability to continue doing so.