UPPZ leader, Chanda, urges financial infrastructure reforms in Kasempa to boost tax collection, stability

Charles Chanda, leader of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), has expressed concerns over the inadequate financial infrastructure in mining districts, particularly in Kasempa, where residents face limited access to banking services.

His comments come amid ongoing debates on tax collection policies in Zambia, which have been a subject of national discussion since the country’s independence in 1964.

In a statement issued in Kitwe on Tuesday, Chanda criticized the paradox of a flourishing gold mining industry alongside the absence of commercial banking facilities.

“How can the government expect to maximize tax revenue when districts like Kasempa are forced to operate primarily in cash, often in large sums? This system not only undermines tax collection efforts but also leaves communities vulnerable to economic instability,” Chanda stated.

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He highlighted that despite Kasempa, located in the North-Western Province, experiencing a surge in mining activities, the lack of commercial banks and inadequate mobile network coverage had created significant challenges for both residents and civil servants.

“Civil servants are spending hours traveling to access ATMs or bank locations in distant towns, which distracts them from their essential duties,” Chanda explained.

He called for urgent reforms in Zambia’s financial sector, advocating for mandatory banking services in remote districts.

“We need banks to set up branches or agencies where they are needed most, particularly in areas with high economic activity. This is critical for efficient tax collection and for the prosperity and stability of these communities,” Chanda added.

Chanda emphasized that the success of Zambia’s mining sector should contribute to broader economic development, including enhanced infrastructure and financial systems.

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