The nation's tax-collecting authority, NAMRA, responded to public criticism about its systems when sharing new updates at a media conference today.

The Namibia Revenue Agency, also known as NAMRA, held a media conference where they shared new updates about the ASYCUDA World System and ITAS, two core platforms used.

NAMRA commissioner, Sam Shivute, responded to public criticism against following recent transport congestion at Namibian borders, allegedly driven by connectivity issues and disruptions in the rollout of its upgraded systems. 

"We are pretty much aware that, of course, there were some people online on social media and so on advocating for having a nationwide protest at a number of offices and dressing in plates and so on. We are very happy that it did not happen at all in the other corners, including the two corners where you have bigger congestion, but what happened is that we have observed some of the clearing agents who had a gathering in front of our office in Swakopmund on Friday, and they have also submitted a petition, which petition we have received."

NAMRA's media conference also featured a questions-and-answers session, answering questions from both the media and the public.

ICT Manager at NAMRA, Cresswell Williams, addressed challenges for users of the ASYCUDAWorld System and ITAS.

"So over the past two years or so, NAMRA has invested a lot of money to ensure that our bandwidth is upgraded. And we're working every everday with our service provider to ensure that the efficiency of those connectivities, especially in our foreign border areas, remains at least stable. But that's not enough. What we have or what we envision to do or endeavour to do going into the future is making sure that we introduce a bit of intelligence into our connectivity as well."