THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) pocketed more than US$2 billion and $29 billion in local currency from vehicle imports in 2022, NewsDay has learnt.
According to Zimra, the total revenue from all motor vehicle types for the year 2022 was $29 583 267 180,33 and US$2 263 191 197,63.
However, Africa Economic Development Strategies executive director Gift Mugano told NewsDay that government revenue was not being used effectively.
“Our resources are not being used effectively and the government is not clear when it comes to US dollar revenues; their main focus is not Zimbabwean dollars.
“Naturally the Finance ministry should not have a huge budget because their role is to distribute but they use those budgets to set aside funds for emergencies even if there is no such an emergency.
“I would have wanted to see productive ministries like Industry and Commerce getting more resources to have good targets,” he said.
He said some countries set aside industrial development funds, adding that government should set aside such funds to revive industry.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans imported 315 610 vehicles amid allegations that used cars are a major contributor to air pollution and climate change.
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Globally, the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change policy expert Cliff Chiduku said the government has made some strides in dealing with environmental problems related to the importation of used cars.
"The government should be applauded for banning the importation of second hand cars that are 10 years and older. This will go a long way into reducing the country’s import bill, protect local industry and reduce greenhouse emissions. One hopes that this policy pronouncement is adhered to religiously.
More importantly, this will go a long way in contributing to the achievement of the country's revised nationally determined contribution target of 40% per capita emission reduction across all sectors below the projected business as usual scenario by 2030," Chiduku said.
