The town councils of Rakiraki and Tavua are currently dealing with a significant total debt of $133,000 in unpaid rates. Rakiraki Town Council is owed $107,000, while Tavua has accumulated arrears of $26,000. Despite these debts, Tavua Town Council has managed to collect 76 percent of its rates, whereas Rakiraki has only a 55 percent collection rate.
To motivate ratepayers to clear their dues, the councils are offering incentives, including a seven percent discount for full payments made this month and a five percent discount for those facing financial difficulties who pay by September.
Sailosi Sawana, the chief executive officer of the Tavua/Rakiraki town councils, mentioned that they may also pursue claims via the Small Claims Tribunal. He noted that while some ratepayers might make payments to clear their arrears during the 2023-2024 financial year, these efforts could be overshadowed by the accruing unpaid rates from this period.
Both councils are facing similar challenges in their efforts to collect rates due to their rural locations, which often result in inconsistent income for many ratepayers. Some individuals demonstrate civic pride by paying their rates in full, and the councils appreciate this commitment.
Sawana emphasized the importance of encouraging ratepayers to settle their outstanding rates and take advantage of the available discounts. He highlighted that ratepayers play a crucial role in funding essential services provided by the council, such as street cleaning, drain maintenance, grass cutting, sanitation services including garbage collection, and overall beautification and maintenance of the area.
He remarked that most of these services are either offered at minimal fees or free, but their significance to the cleanliness and upkeep of the towns should not be underestimated.