So, the Government of Anambra State is planning to roll out what it calls “statewide car wash fees?”
If I understand it correctly, the plan is to tax people for using car wash services.
See the press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Paul Nwosu below:
“There will be a public auction/bid for the following Revenue Streams.
1. Statewide Public Toilet Maintenance Fees
2. Statewide Veterinary and Abattoir Inspection Fees
3. Gaming and Lotto Fee Collection
4. Statewide Car Wash Fees
5. Designation of Parks and Pay Centres in Urban Areas & Tolls Collection.
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 Time: 2 PM.
Venue SSG Hall Government House, Awka, Anambra State.
“Participants Should be Seated By 1.30 P.m.”
In more civilised climes where this category of service is taxed, extra care is usually taken in order not to tax hand car washes or the labour component of those that use automated or hybrid car wash systems. In Anambra, I’m not sure that such distinctions will be made.
More so, a significant proportion of Anambra car wash providers rely on manual labour. And for the most part, they independently source all components of their services, including water and electricity.
For those that get electricity supply from the national grid, the service is already paid for through EEDC subscriptions. So what real value is the state government adding to this sector that it is planning to tax?
Add it to the fact that the roads are in a bad shape and that the young men and women providing the labour at the car washes are already under-employed. If enforced, what they are planning in the name of Nwa Ngbafor is beyond Agbero 2.0, it’s going to be Agbero Pro Max.
Anambra ọ ya a succeed zi kwo? Read more.
Chima Christian