Taxing problem

Poor market facilities for vendors is blamed on lack of tax revenue

Main cities across Sierra Leone have been mounting checkpoints lately to force people to comply with their council tax obligations.

Marshalls have been employed by the councils to effect the stop-and-search of vehicles and pedestrians which many have complained about.

Authorities argue that if taxes are not paid, they cannot provide basic social services.

Recently, the Freetown City Council complained that there has been a reduction in revenue from tax because people are not paying up.

BBC Network Africa's Umaru Fofana has been looking at the issue of taxes in Sierra leone and sent this report from Freetown.