Closed to the flow of economic life, the Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) factory in Lokutu now finds itself surrounded by silence and seals. The decision taken by the General Directorate of Revenue of the Tshopo province resonates like a scathing warning, highlighting a dark fiscal situation.
Through a parliamentary control mission orchestrated by the economic and financial commission (Ecofin) of the Provincial Assembly of Tshopo, the truth comes to light: the PHC, a true industrial pillar of the region, accumulates a colossal debt to the province , to the tune of more than 1 billion Congolese francs, or more than 300,000 US dollars.
The tax arrears not paid by the company amount to a pharaonic amount. Rental income tax, phytosanitary tax, industrial levies on palm oil, various road taxes… The shortcomings are numerous and paint an overwhelming picture. Those responsible for the Ecofin commission do not exclude the possibility that these figures will be revised upwards following the ongoing investigations.
This sealing is not only an administrative act, it is a strong signal sent to the entire economic community of the province. She reminds that no one is above the tax laws and that non-payment of taxes will not go unpunished. The regularization of the situation of PHC Lokutu is not only a necessity to allow the company to resume its activities, but also a moral obligation towards the community.
Indeed, the benefits of this regularization will not be limited to the reopening of the factory. They will enable the province to carry out its missions, finance its policies and strengthen its economic development. The PHC is offered an opportunity to reform itself, to make a clean sweep of past errors and to contribute positively to the development of the region.
While waiting for the factory doors to reopen, the silence that envelopes the dormant machines is the silent witness of a lesson to be learned: fiscal integrity is crucial for the vitality of businesses and the prosperity of territories. May this episode serve as a reminder to all economic players of the importance of respecting tax obligations to build a solid and sustainable future.