Traders and people of Makamba complain that products from Tanzania have become more and more expensive for two reasons: first, because Burundi Authority Revenue (OBR) asks for a lot of taxes at the border, secondly, because Burundian currency (BIF) is depreciating compared to Tanzanian Shilling.
<doc7782|left>According to Céléstin Niyukuri, a trader from Mabanda Commune, before OBR starts, merchandise was dominated by products from Tanzania because they were cheaper; but today, business is not good anymore.
“Now, goods from Tanzania are very expensive because Burundian Francs are inferior to Tanzanian Shillings. When we import products from there, we have to increase the price because we pay much money at the border. Our customers complain about that but we are compelled to raise the price as we can’t accept to work at a loss,” highlights Niyukuri.
He suggests that OBR should reduce taxes for Tanzanian products, and Burundian authorities should request the Tanzanian government to forbid policemen not to mistreat Burundian traders when they go there to get supplied.
According to N A, a citizen from Makamba, the cost of living has got higher and higher because things are as expensive as in Bujumbura.
“We were lucky to live near the border where products from Tanzania were abundant and cheap on the market. People from all the corners in Burundi used to come to buy rice from Tanzania commonly called “Umutanzania”. But now that rice has almost disappeared, only one trader in Makamba has it in the store.” he says.
Moreover, he indicates that a mattress Dodoma from Tanzania which cost 80 thousand before OBR becomes operational costs now 150 thousands. He adds that this is due to the fact that OBR demands a lot of taxes at the border and Burundian currency is losing its value day after day.
Tax exemption for consumer products should help Burundians
N A suggests that OBR should let consumer products enter freely so that the price remains stable.
As East African Community stipulates a free movement of persons and goods, Burundi and Tanzania should agree to exempt taxes of consumer products to facilitate citizens from the two countries to have access to these.
<doc7781|right>Butoyi Bernard, the Administrator of Mabanda Commune confirms that there is a good relationship between people from Mabanda and Kigoma Region.
“At Musenyi market, 4km from Tanzania, the majority of goods come from Tanzania. Tanzanians bring pineapples, bananas, tomatoes, yellow beans, etc
They even come to cultivate cassava or collect firewood in Burundi” praises the Administrator.
Despite some small problems, Tanzanians generally welcomed Burundians in a satisfactory way. We have heard that some policemen mistreat Burundians but now we are trying to stop it : “I have met the Administrator of Buhirwe on the Tanzanian side and we have decided that we are going to organize a meeting to solve that problem” promises Butoyi.
He concludes that products which were forbidden to enter Burundi are now authorised to cross the border thanks to Burundi integration into EAC.
Furthermore, OBR has facilitated traders by reducing customs clearance fees. Tanzanian and Burundian authorities have a good collaboration, and often organize regular meetings.
