GOVERNMENT says it is finalising modalities to allow the Surveyor-General’s Department to retain 60% of its collected revenue to capacitate its operations.
SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER
Lands and Rural Resettlement minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament last Wednesday that documentation to effect the move was at an advanced stage following reports that the Surveyor-General’s Department was facing financial challenges to effectively carry out its mapping duties.
“In order to augment appropriated budgetary funds for the Surveyor-General’s Department, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Department officials is preparing documentation to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for the Department to be granted authority to retain 60% of all revenues it collects,” Mombeshora said.
“On average, the Department of the Surveyor-General is collecting an amount of $400 000 annually which is currently all being remitted to the Exchequer Revenue Account under the control of Treasury.”
Mombeshora said in order to solve problems of office space being experienced by the department, he had also submitted a request to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to ensure the department was accommodated.
“The proposal is for the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to consider construction of a high rise building at Makombe complex to house the department,” he said.
Some government departments such as the police have been allowed to retain part of the revenue they collect.
