Ratepayers in towns and cities have been urged to make use of concessions provided by the Government to beautify buildings.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar stressed this during meetings with stakeholders in the Western Division, especially in Nadi where she was part of a consultation organised by the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).

She said the Government had given concessions for that, but town councils had yet to use them.

“When we talk about tourism and other aspects of things one area that we are closing our eyes to and we don’t talk about is the quality of buildings in our cities and towns,” Ms Kumar said.

She said ignoring that aspect resulted in a deplorable state of buildings in our towns and cities.

“Government has given concessions for that … 150 tax waivers to upgrade your building, not the renovation of inside but outside.

There is a concession given for the beautification of buildings,” Ms Kumar said.

The minister encouraged the NCCI during their meeting last Saturday to encourage its members to use the concessions to beautify buildings in the town area.

“I would like Nadi Chamber of Commerce to encourage their members to use their concessions because beautification is not beautiful gardens, it is also the buildings,” she added.

Edited by Epineri Vula
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