The issue of taxes imposed on drivers of the National Union for the Protection of Truckers (UNPC) on the Lubumbashi-Likasi section, in the Haut-Katanga province, raises a crucial question at the heart of the economic and social issues that directly impact the daily lives of these workers.
Indeed, truck drivers who use this vital road express their deep concern about the burden of taxes to which they are subject. These multiple financial levies represent an unbearable burden for these professionals, affecting not only their economic profitability, but also their well-being and their ability to carry out their activity efficiently.
The Secretary General of the UNPC, Jerry Kalamb, testifies to this growing tax pressure weighing on the shoulders of drivers. The various tolls and taxes imposed throughout the route between Lubumbashi and Likasi accumulate to form a considerable sum, far exceeding the financial capacities of drivers. This situation leads to real financial asphyxiation, jeopardizing the viability of transport companies and the income of workers in the sector.
The need to rethink these excessive tax practices is therefore urgent. Drivers are calling for a thorough review of the taxes in force, in order to make them fairer and more equitable. It is essential that the competent authorities take into account the realities on the ground and the difficulties encountered by transport professionals, to ensure an economic environment favorable to their activity.
The issue of tolls and taxes imposed on truckers is not limited to a simple financial issue. It also calls into question the need to rethink public policies in terms of transport and logistics to ensure harmonious development of road infrastructure while preserving the interests of workers in the sector.
In conclusion, the situation of UNPC drivers on the Lubumbashi-Likasi section highlights the challenges faced by transport stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is imperative that concrete measures be taken to rebalance the relationship between the taxes imposed and the economic reality of professionals in the sector, with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development of the entire sector.