The communal council of Ouolon in Mali's Cercle de Sy recently held a meeting to discuss its annual plan for 2025 and review its tax revenue collection. The meeting, chaired by Lieutenant Ousmane Diakité, the second deputy prefect of Sy, was attended by the mayor of Ouolon, Bayo Daou, and other local officials. The council reported that it had collected only 711,950 Fcfa in taxes and duties, a mere 3.59% of its projected 19,785,950 Fcfa.
The low tax revenue collection is a significant challenge for the commune, which has 13 villages. Only four villages have paid the regional and local development tax, with Ouèsso village recording the highest payment. The council's secretary-general noted that the commune's health centers remain operational but that the security situation remains a major concern, with schools having been closed for several years.
The meeting also discussed the need for greater responsibility from the population, particularly young people, in paying taxes and duties. The mayor and the chief of Ouèsso village called on residents to make a greater effort to contribute to the commune's revenue. The council's discussions also focused on the need to strengthen revenue collection and involve young people in the process.
The participants at the meeting also expressed their concerns and formulated recommendations, including the implementation of previous recommendations and greater synergy between local services. The meeting concluded with the presentation of certificates of recognition to three citizens who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the commune.
The commune's development plan for 2025 aims to address these challenges and improve the living conditions of residents. The plan includes initiatives to boost tax revenue, improve healthcare and education, and enhance security. The council has also called on local authorities to provide greater support to the commune.
In a related development, the Malian government has launched initiatives to support local authorities in their efforts to improve revenue collection and provide basic services to residents. The government has also emphasized the importance of synergy between local services and greater involvement of young people in local development.
The Ouolon communal council's efforts to improve tax revenue collection and provide basic services to residents are part of a broader effort to promote local development in Mali. The country's decentralization policy aims to empower local authorities to manage their own affairs and provide services to residents.
Key points
- Mali's Ouolon commune reports low tax revenue collection.
- Commune faces challenges in providing basic services due to low revenue.
- Local authorities call for greater responsibility from residents in paying taxes.
