$9 Million in City Rate Arrears, Ratepayers Start Payments

The amount of rate arrears owed to Lautoka City Council (LCC) has slightly reduced compared to the last financial year.

The LCC Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Anees Khan said most ratepayers have resumed work and were able to make payments.

Mr Khan, however, confirmed that as of February 28, the total city rate arrears was approximately $9 million.

He said the council collected 26.88% rates more in 2021 compared to 2020.

“There are 8167 ratepayers in the Lautoka City boundary,” he said.

“For the first seven months of this financial year August 2021 to February 2022 approximately 40 per cent of current year rates and 8 per cent of rates arrears have been collected,” he said.

In order to facilitate ease of payment, LCC had offered rates discount of seven per cent to those who paid their rates in full by 31 August 2021.

A five per cent discount was offered to those who paid in full between September 1, 2021 and October 31,2021.

He said the LCC offered payment options such as direct salary deduction arrangements for civil servants and those who wished to take this option.

“LCC is also working with Lautoka Ratepayers Association to create awareness on rate payment options available and for effective collection of rates and arrears,” he said.

“Payment plans are also negotiated for those who wish to pay on a monthly basis."

"LCC encourages the use of direct deposits, electronic transfers and online payments, which would avoid coming to the council office.”

Mr Khan said payment details for the LCC’s bank accounts at HFC Bank, Westpac and BSP had been advertised and were also available on the LCC website.

There are also payment options available via M-PAiSA.\

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