Charity appeals for customs exoneration for gifts

Officials argue that imposing heavy duties on items intended to help the needy hampers development.

Some Diaspora-based Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs are a source of inspiration to the health and the education sectors back home.

They offer equipment like orthopaedic beds, wheelchairs, delivery beds, mattresses, water heaters, among others, to health facilities.

In schools with insufficient learning material, pupils lack even exercise books to take notes. Though these are free, apolitical donations, heavy customs duties are often imposed.

A US-based charity, “Safe Bridge of Help,” led by Richard Mbakop, on June 27, 2016, appealed for customs exoneration. According to him, heavy customs duties have led to the abandonment of a 40-feet container at the Douala Sea Port containing hospital kits worth millions of FCFA.

Richard Mbakop revealed that for the NGO’s five-year of benevolent work in Cameroon, they have paid customs duties worth millions of FCFA, pleading that the authorities should grant customs exoneration for them to contribute better to the development of the country.

Even with the heavy duties, Richard Mbakop disclosed that the satisfaction of giving is immeasurable, reason why “Safe Bridge of Help” has so far donated equipment worth over FCFA 200 million to health institutions, schools and orphans.

With customs exoneration, he believes that charities will contribute better to the wellbeing of Cameroonians, thereby fostering development as wished by the Head of State.