The Labasa Town Council has collected $1.5 million in unpaid rates and outstanding arrears from previous years. However, there’s still a significant $2.3 million owed by ratepayers and business tenants, underscoring the need for everyone’s contribution.
The council introduced several initiatives to help recover the $800,000 in funds collected between August 2023 and July 2024.
The council is working with the Ministry of Local Government to waive interest for defaulters, hoping this will encourage other defaulters to pay.
The council also implemented door-to-door visits to advise defaulters on their payment options. Legal measures will be taken to address the obligations of those residing overseas and frequent defaulters.
The council’s priority is timely rate collection to ensure the best services are offered to residents and visitors.
Additionally, market stall fees arrears have been reduced from $17,000 to $5000 thanks to increased awareness of the importance of clearing market stall fees.
The council is grateful to vendors who have realized their responsibility to clear their dues to the council. There are approximately 900 permanent and 400 casual vendors in the township.
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