Municipal Councils Owe $79m in Unpaid Rates

Fiji’s 13 municipal councils are owed $79 million in rates arrears, says the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Katamotu.

He said the ministry had identified that a persistent challenge they faced was poor rates collection.

“Low rates collection directly impacts your ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and deliver essential services,” Mr Katamotu said.

“It is concerning that the rates owed to the 13 municipal councils, including current and arrears, accumulate to $79 million ($79,023,874.40).”

Mr Katamotu urged special administrators to explore innovative and aggressive strategies to enhance rates collection

“Embrace technologies, implement user-friendly payment plans, and launch public awareness campaigns to educate ratepayers on the critical importance of their contribution.

“If all fails, then you need to invoke your legal powers under Part 11 of the Local Government Act.”

Another challenge he highlighted was the prompt implementation of audit findings and recommendations from the Office of the Auditor-General and the Standing Committee of Public Accounts.

“Delays in addressing audit issues, not only undermine public trust, but also question our commitment to financial accountability and transparency.

“It is evident that many types of councils have not been taking these recommendations seriously or implementing them to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies.

“I must stress that councils cannot ignore the unacceptable backlog of unaudited accounts and outstanding annual reports.”

He said the delay violated statutory requirements and impeded financial oversight and transparency, which were core tenets of Government’s mandate.

“Clearing this backlog must be a top priority for all councils. Timely publication of audited accounts and comprehensive annual reports is essential to upholding the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and public scrutiny.”

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