Liberia: UNDP Boosts LRA Collection Capacity

MONROVIA – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has boosted the capacity of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) through the donation of electronic gadgets and office equipment.

The donation, which includes 81 pieces of computer tablets, 81 pcs backup power banks, laptops, photocopiers and desktop computers, is intended to enhance the LRA Real Estate Projects in Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties. 

The LRA Real Property Tax project is a revenue-sharing scheme under which 50 percent of all revenues collected from real property in each county will be disbursed to the respective county for development in line with the Local Government Act of 2018.

The UNDP is a strong supporter of the project.

Speaking during the turning over ceremony, Mr. Robert Dorliae, UNDP Program Analyst on Inclusive Governance Pillar, said the donation of the equipment to LRA is to enhance Real Estate expansion pilot project in the two counties.

LRA Commissioner for Domestic Tax, Darlingston Y. Talery, lauded the UNDP for the invaluable support which he termed as a “big boost” to revenue generation. “This is indeed a great support from UNDP because it will help LRA to decentralize its operation electronically,” he stated during the May 24^th presentation.

Talery assured that the equipment will be perfectly use for the purpose intended, a request earlier made by UNDP’s Robert Dorliae.

The real property expansion pilot project seeks to identify and register all real properties within the borders of Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties with the aim to enhance compliance, raise revenue and expand the tax net. 

The Local Government Act of 2018, among other things, calls for the establishment of adequate, identifiable, and reliable sources of revenues by local authorities in ensuring a sustainable and recurring program of direct revenue sharing.