Dialogue Enables New Revenues in Kasumbalesa
To improve local transport and activate an unclear taxation system, the Mayor of the municipality Kasumbalesa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) decided to open for direct dialogue with key stakeholders. It had a surprisingly positive effect.
The motorcycle drivers ensure mobility in the city of Kasumbalesa.
It was so inspiring to see the constructive dialogue between the Mayor and the moto drivers association, says Charlotte Booth who witnessed a meeting live in Kasumbalesa during a project monitoring visit.
The AGIR project is implemented in the South-east of Congo (DRC), and works directly with 6 partner municipalities, including Kasumbalesa. The aim is to stimulate concrete change by increasing functionality and service delivery and improving their organizational capacity and accountability. Generating local revenue while maintaining a trustful relationship with the inhabitants is pivotal. Especially for Kasumbalesa where local taxes are currently the only source of income.
Kasumbalesa is a town on the border between DRC and Zambia, experiencing rapid urbanisation while urban infrastructure is insufficient. The road network is not well-developed meaning access and movements are difficult, including for transporting agricultural products to markets. The motorcycle drivers ensure mobility in the city. They are best able to access unpaved roads and they are the most affordable transport option for most people. At the same time, moto drivers are often subject to political manipulation and have tremendous power in local communities. When they strike, public life is heavily affected.
With support from the AGIR project, the Mayor decided to open up for a direct dialogue with the moto drivers to find solutions. Organized through local associations, the moto drivers welcomed the idea. The interaction led to re-activation of a previously dormant tax. In return, the authorities agreed to ensure that the revenue from the tax is invested in road improvements and information sessions are planned to account for the revenue generated. Another positive development was the involvement of the private sector. A private-public partnership has been set up to aid the collection the motorcycle tax.
The impact is clear. The tax generates income on a daily basis and Kasumbalesa thereby increases means to implement service improvements. The local population is directly affected by seeing improved roads and better moto transport services. SALAR International’s national coordinator, Jeff Mbiya, also expressed his satisfaction:
It's rare to see positive changes taking place before our very eyes, and this strengthens the relationship of trust within the social contract. It is really very encouraging.