Uncollected rates amounting to $9.5 million are having an effect on the Nasinu Town Council’s service delivery, it has been disclosed.

Nasinu and Nausori special administrators team chair Elizabeth Algar said despite this, they had a plan to transform Nasinu into a modern and efficient town.

Nasinu is the largest municipality in the country with 92,043 residents.

Of this figure, 11,221 residents are registered ratepayers with 4662 being defaulters who owe the council $9.5 million.

There are also 1924 residents living in informal settlements, enjoying services freely that only ratepayers pay for including garbage collection.

Ms Algar said to do this there was a need for action from all stakeholders. But first on the list is collecting unpaid rates, she said.

“The Nasinu Town Council has submitted its 2019/2020 Budget to help transform the municipality. Since the amnesty period is over, the council’s recovery plan includes ratepayers profiling which allows council to identify defaulters and their personal circumstances,” Ms Algar said.

Elizabeth Algar.

“If defaulters are experiencing difficulties, they can come to the Nasinu Town Council and our staff will assist payment arrangements. Failure to reach that arrangement will result in legal action.”

The council is aiming to recover outstanding rates to ensure efficient services are provided including meeting its budgetary requirements.

The council has sent reminder notices to ratepayers during the amnesty period to take advantage of the interest-free period.

Edited by Percy Kean

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