Auction sale launched to boost government coffers

The operation launched 27 August and extends until December 31, 2014 aims not only to decongest the port but also raise the level of revenue collection.

"Auctions 2014 arrived at the right time. You are aware that currently the autonomous port of Douala is saturated. It is therefore a salutary operation. But you should know that it is not there for Customs to snatch goods. No!!!. This is in accordance with article 273 of the code of customs who wants that after 90 days, unreleased goods are auctioned", says Daniel Monguè Nyamsi, responsible for communication during the operation.

If this auction is an opportunity to decongest the autonomous port of Douala (PAD), it is also a palliative to bail out the State coffers.

"We will work in a transparent manner. Clearly, we will not accept parallel sales, OTC. All the relevant conventions will be met. The third pillar is speed. The Customs will be looking on this aspect. If 72 hours after purchase of your goods we realize that the good is still at same spot, we put it on sale", explains Mr. Mouanguè Nyamsi, also head of audit at the Douala port 1 main Office Department.

The auctions this year concerns vehicles, goods in bulk, bags, containers, logs of wood. But for the latter case, clarifications are made. "Wood is a little difficult.

Last year, it was realized that its removal from the port is quite delicate and complex. Thus, for this year, wood will first wait, "said M. Mouanguè Nyamsi, who hammers that only goods intended for the embassies and Government procurement are excluded from the auction.