Time To Pay Rates Again

The financial years for mu­nicipal councils and the Government are now the same, which means that rates for the new financial year will start to be collected from August.

Suva and Lami special adminis­trator chair Isikeli Tikoduadua said the board has decided to keep rates the same for this year as well.

“We have postponed its valua­tion once again as we realise that COVID-19 has impacted our rate­payers,” he said.

“We had told our ratepayers that the financial year will merge at the beginning of the year and the council would like to thank rate­payers who have ensured that they paid their 2021 rates.

“Since 2013, the rates have not increased. We have always strived to provide the best service to our residents. Each year the cost of providing these services increase, but we do our best to keep the standards the same.”

For the 2021 rates which ends on tomorrow (July 31, 2021), Suva City Council has collected 81 per cent of all invoiced rates and Lami Town has collected 75 per cent.

For Lami this is an increment of five per cent from the previous year.

And to make things easier on ratepayers, Suva City Council and Lami Town Council are giving a seven per cent discount if rates are paid in full in August, six per cent in September and five in Oc­tober.

Mr Tikoduadua said those facing difficulties can work out a pay­ment plan with the council.

The Suva City Council’s annual rate collection is around $12m to $13m. There is still a large num­ber of those whose rates are in ar­rears, however, the large number of those paying rates every year have ensured that the council is able to carry out its tasks.

shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj