Ratepayers in Nasinu have been urged to come forward and pay what is owed to the town council.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar said at the beginning of this year, the Nasinu Council was owed $11.3 million in rates.

Ms Kumar made the statement at the official opening of the Laqere Market yesterday.

Without this revenue, the council struggled to provide basic services to the Nasinu municipality, she admitted.

“Nasinu Town Council has 11,819 official ratepayers with an annual population growth rate of two per cent. This is based on the last valuation taken in the year 2012,” she said.

“Municipal councils rely on rates and other levy collections to deliver services to its ratepayers. At the beginning of 2020, $11.3 million were owed in rates to Nasinu Town Council. This arrears includes $8million prior to 2019, and current rates of $3million.

“Without revenue, the council struggles to provide basic services,” Ms Kumar said.

“As you know we have reduced vendor stall fees at markets to protect vendor incomes at this time of COVID-19, we encourage those who can pay their rates to please pay up the rates.”

New Laqere Market

Ms Kumar said the Government saw the need to provide a proper market to approximately 92,043 residents and 20 squatter settlements in Nasinu.

She said the new Laqere Market was a one-stop experience for many.

A total of 26 CCTV cameras were installed to create a safe environment for all.

“Laqere market provides quite a contrast to old and unplanned markets, with their waste and ramshackle appearance,” she said.

In other development projects, Ms Kumar said preliminary works for the Narere swimming pool and the Valelevu Stadium had started.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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