Speaking to this writer recently in an exclusive interview in his office at the Freetown Municipality Complex, the FCC Chief Administrator said residents have what he described as miraculous expectation for council to transform Freetown to London, but are failing to realize that council alone cannot perform such miracle but with concerted effort. Festus Kallay said people are reluctant to pay their dues for which council is determined to take the bull by its horns for the city to be beautiful with the sustainable provision of the basic social amenities such as water and sanitation for markets and other public places under council’s responsibility, waste management, beautification and maintenance of certain places, support the education, health and other sectors among others.
Speaking further, the Chief Administrator highlighted some of the dues which include: License Certificate, Community Based Organization Certificate, Local Tax, Market Dues, Wharf Dues among others which residents evade with impunity.
“Jesus Christ told his disciples to give Caesar what belongs to him simply because tax payment is also a spiritual obligation,” the FCC boss stressed.
Festus Kallay disclosed that the FCC will soon embark on an uncompromising revenue generation operation across the capital for which he urged debtors and defaulters to quickly comply with their tax obligations before they face business closure by council or charged to court among other penalties.
The council official called on residents to settle arrears at the newly introduced banks cash point and obtain the new receipt with a seal at the FCC to prevent any embarrassment. Festus Kallay informed that his council has much to do based on the recently conducted needs assessment study, but revenue constraints is council’s major challenge.
The Chef Administrator lastly lauded the efforts of his workforce as he encouraged them not to relent, while imploring residents to change the mindset of corruption on the part of council and fulfill their civic responsibility. He however assured council’s commitment to deliver the goodies when tax compliance is achieved.