$133k rates worry councils

Rakiraki and Tavua town councils are facing a combined debt of $133,000 in unpaid rates.

Rakiraki Town Council is owed $107,000, while Tavua’s arrears amount to $26,000. This despite TTC collecting 76 per cent of its rates while RTC lags behind with a 55 per cent collection rate.

In an effort to encourage ratepayers to settle their dues, the councils have introduced incentives such as a seven per cent discount offered for full payment this month and a five per cent discount for payments made by September for those facing financial hardships.

Tavua/Rakiraki town councils’ chief executive officer Sailosi Sawana said other measures included submitting claims to the Small Claims Tribunal.

“Even though some ratepayers clear their arrears in the 2023-2024 financial year, the arrears will increase as the unpaid rates for 2023-2024 will be added to the rates arrears,” he said.

Tavua Town. Photo: Salote Qalubau

“Rakiraki and Tavua faced similar challenges in collecting town rates.

“Both are in rural settings with a disadvantage of irregular income to most ratepayers. Some ratepayers have civic pride and pay their rates in full and the council appreciates their commitment to paying their rates.”

He said they had been requesting ratepayers to settle their pending rates and to take advantage of the rates discount period.

“Ratepayers play an important role in the council’s operations. They pay town rates which fund the council’s operations such as street sweeping, drain cleaning, grass cutting, sanitary works including garbage collection, beautifications, repairs and maintenance,” he said.

“Most of the services are paid at minimal fee or free. These services are always underestimated, but are very significant to the cleanliness of the town.”

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj