According to Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, regions will start implementing property tax enforcement in full the following fiscal year. During the 41st regular session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives for its fourth year of existence, Ahmed Shide answered questions from members of the House and clarified the federal government’s next fiscal year draft budget. He claimed that the government, which formerly paid off debts in an odd manner, is now making money off of the services it offers and that those that don’t bring in money are taxing.
He stated that property taxes will be fully imposed in the regions during the upcoming fiscal year, noting that they have already been implemented in Addis Ababa. According to Ato Ahmed, the primary driver of development inequality over the last seven years has been highways, hence conducting sufficient study is essential before building new roads.
He mentioned that the plans and budgets for road projects were not consistent; He said that sufficient research should be done to solve the problem and it should be implemented.
Roads have a larger budget than any other sector, according to Ahmed Shide. Additionally, he noted that the government is investing a significant sum of money in rehabilitation and is working at a high level. “Regions should work hard on illegal activities carried under the guise of compensation,” he added, adding that the government is under a lot of pressure because of compensation. He asserted that increasing public understanding of the value of infrastructure is essential to lessening the financial strain on the government.
He added that the budget will be crucial in reducing poverty and enhancing the efficiency of the macroeconomic system.