The Suva City Council (SCC) has reported a notable rise in the number of taxpayers coming forward to settle their outstanding rate arrears. Acting CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa expressed his appreciation for this encouraging trend, highlighting the positive response from the community following the council’s repeated calls for payment.
While it is heartening to see many individuals taking the initiative to tackle their outstanding rates, Boseiwaqa emphasized that the total responses are still not sufficient to significantly decrease the council’s overall pending arrears. He noted, “It’s good to see that just last week ratepayers have been filling up the office, responding to our calls.”
The council is keen to maintain open lines of communication and is willing to discuss flexible payment arrangements for those facing financial challenges. This collaborative approach aims to avoid legal measures, such as court proceedings or property mortgaging. Boseiwaqa acknowledged that many ratepayers have genuine reasons for falling behind on payments, including inheriting properties with previous debts or facing unexpected financial hardships.
Currently, the council manages approximately 11,000 ratepayers, with about 4,000 to 5,000 of them in arrears. Boseiwaqa stressed the importance of consistent payments, stating that timely contributions from property owners are crucial for the council’s ability to provide essential services to the community.
Despite the challenges faced by some ratepayers, the council remains dedicated to working together to identify practical solutions. The overarching goal is to facilitate payments, even if through instalment plans, benefiting both the council and the community it serves.
This proactive approach aims not only to alleviate financial strains on ratepayers but also ensures the ongoing delivery of vital services to Suva’s residents, fostering a sense of community responsibility and collaboration.
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