NamRA must do its homework, Thomas fumes
• Prove it, he tells taxman
While he understands the tax agency's mandate, it should not act on speculation, Bishop Festus Thomas said.
Bishop Festus Thomas, president of Body of Christ (BCP) political party, has lashed out at Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).
This after Namibian Sun reported that the taxman will not allow unlabelled macaroni into the country because these products could contain ingredients harmful to consumers.
Thomas said the allegations made by NamRA - that the macaroni is not safe for human consumption - should be proven.
“NamRA labelling foods from Angola as unhealthy and highly allergic can be serious allegations to both governments. NamRA must produce scientific evidence on how these foods are a health risk,” he stressed.
'Better solution'
“This report is concerning and cannot be left like that. People are suffering from poverty, therefore NamRA must come up with a better solution,” Thomas said.
He added that they understand the tax agency's mandate, but said it should not act on speculations, but rather on proven facts.
“NamRA must do [its] homework. They must come up with a scientific report so that we can make our people understand,” he said.
Thomas further opined that headmen do not have testing machines to issue letters to the vendors.
This after NamRA spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu said small-scale importers can bring in 250 to 500 kilograms of mahangu and/or beans per person per month for commercial use, and 200kg per person for personal use.
However, importers should be able to prove they bought these products within a 60-kilometre radius in order to be exempted from phytosanitary requirements.
Shidhudhu said this could mean that vendors carry a document, even from the headman of a specific village where they bought the products, which confirms the distance.
“How will the headman know whether the food is safe or not?” Thomas wanted to know.
He added that a solution should be found in terms of food supply between Namibia and Angola.
This after Namibian Sun reported that the taxman will not allow unlabelled macaroni into the country because these products could contain ingredients harmful to consumers.
Thomas said the allegations made by NamRA - that the macaroni is not safe for human consumption - should be proven.
“NamRA labelling foods from Angola as unhealthy and highly allergic can be serious allegations to both governments. NamRA must produce scientific evidence on how these foods are a health risk,” he stressed.
'Better solution'
“This report is concerning and cannot be left like that. People are suffering from poverty, therefore NamRA must come up with a better solution,” Thomas said.
He added that they understand the tax agency's mandate, but said it should not act on speculations, but rather on proven facts.
“NamRA must do [its] homework. They must come up with a scientific report so that we can make our people understand,” he said.
Thomas further opined that headmen do not have testing machines to issue letters to the vendors.
This after NamRA spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu said small-scale importers can bring in 250 to 500 kilograms of mahangu and/or beans per person per month for commercial use, and 200kg per person for personal use.
However, importers should be able to prove they bought these products within a 60-kilometre radius in order to be exempted from phytosanitary requirements.
Shidhudhu said this could mean that vendors carry a document, even from the headman of a specific village where they bought the products, which confirms the distance.
“How will the headman know whether the food is safe or not?” Thomas wanted to know.
He added that a solution should be found in terms of food supply between Namibia and Angola.
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