‘We did not increase tax rate, but will enforce existing tax laws – Mbah

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah has said that his administration did not increase tax rate but will enforce the existing tax laws in the state.

Mbah also said that all the Smart Schools which are under construction in the 260 political wards in the state will be fully completed by September 2025.

He disclosed this on Saturday during a town hall meeting that took place at the banquet hall, old government lodge GRA Enugu, with the theme “Issues of governance, the Journey so far”.

The governor, Mbah noted further that the smart school will go beyond primary school education, pointing out that there will be 12 years of compulsory and free education for pupils of Enugu state, who are going to be equipped with digital equipment such as Tablets and desktop computers.

Mbah noted that early life learning is included in the smart school initiative, and with that the children will be absorbed from nursery to primary school.

“They will be exposed to modern learning

environment and this will see a transition from chalkboards to smart boards, and our pupils will no longer struggle with notebooks as they will be given notepads for their lesson notes. Our children is at the epicenter of our plan” he said.

He furthermore, noted that plans are underway for the establishment of a centre for experiential learning and innovation for prospective smart school teachers where they will be trained on Information Communication System, Mechatronics, Argumented and virtual reality.

He explained that with Mechatronics system, a teacher can handle pupils in different locations at the same time.

Mbah also stated that the construction of type 2 primary health care centres are underway which are going to be equipped with solar powered power supply and other Morden equipment.

On the issue of tax, Gov Mbah said his administration did not increase tax rate but expanded the tax net with formidable commitment to enforcing the already tax laws existing in the State.

He said his administration inherited arrears of pension both at the state and local government levels, noting that his government has cleared pension arrears at the state level. “An audit exercise is going on for the local government pensioners prior to settling the arrears.

Mbah, therefore emphasized that his administration is committed to workers welfare and equally committed to workers utmost welfare they deserve.

Speaking on infrastructures, Mbah said that his administration has awarded the construction of not less than 81 urban roads ongoing in the state, adding that his objective is to achieve construction of at least 10km roads in every rural ward.

The participants in their various speeches commended the governor for his achievements so far, especially in road infrastructure, water, health, security, education among others.

They however, tasked the governor to ensure full implementation of his campaign promises with special attention to poverty eradication and general welfare of the people.