In a statement released on Tuesday, the government of the Republic of Zambia revealed plans to create a payment gateway for organisations, including local authorities.
It is anticipated that this cutting-edge platform would completely transform the way that citizens pay for taxes and services while guaranteeing that the appropriate organisations get money straight into their bank accounts.
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SMART Zambia National Coordinator Mr. Pery Chinyama stated during the ‘Let the People Talk’ radio program on Radio Phoenix that the new payment gateway will resemble the Government Service Bus (GSB), but it will differ in that funds will be sent straight to the appropriate institutions.
According to Mr. Chinyama, residents will be able to pay their levies, rates, and other payments online, and the money will be safely transmitted to the appropriate local authorities.
“The payment gateway is designed to ensure that all funds are paid directly to the relevant institutions, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the risk of revenue leakages,” He explained.
“This will not only enhance transparency and accountability but also improve the efficiency of revenue collection for local authorities.”
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Convenience of service delivery
The creation of the payment portal, he emphasised, is a major step in improving accountability and transparency in Zambia’s public financial management system. It is anticipated to guarantee the efficient use of public funds and lower the possibility of income leaks.
“With the payment gateway, local authorities such as the Kabwe Municipal Council will be able to offer their services online, allowing citizens to make payments from the comfort of their own homes. This will not only improve the convenience of service delivery but also reduce the administrative burden on local authorities,” he said.
“The payment gateway is expected to be launched soon, and citizens will be able to access it through various payment channels, including online banking and mobile money platforms.”
This would guarantee that local governments have the money they require to offer vital services to their communities while giving citizens a safe, practical, and effective option to pay for services and fees.