Rakiraki and Tavua town councils are currently grappling with a total debt of $133,000 due to unpaid rates. Specifically, Rakiraki Town Council is owed $107,000, while Tavua’s outstanding arrears stand at $26,000. Despite this situation, Tavua Town Council has successfully collected 76 percent of its rates, whereas Rakiraki Town Council is trailing with a collection rate of 55 percent.
To motivate ratepayers to clear their debts, both councils have introduced incentives. They are offering a seven percent discount for full payments made this month and a five percent discount for those who pay by September, targeting individuals facing financial difficulties.
Sailosi Sawana, the chief executive officer of the Tavua/Rakiraki town councils, mentioned that the councils would also submit claims to the Small Claims Tribunal as part of their strategy to address the arrears. He noted that while some ratepayers may settle their debts in the 2023-2024 financial year, the total arrears may continue to grow as new unpaid rates accumulate.
Sawana acknowledged that both towns face similar difficulties in collecting town rates, largely due to their rural settings, which often lead to irregular incomes for many ratepayers. He expressed gratitude towards those ratepayers who consistently make their payments, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the councils’ operations.
He urged all ratepayers to take advantage of the current discounts and settle their outstanding rates, highlighting the critical role these funds play in supporting essential council services such as street cleaning, garbage collection, and maintenance efforts, which often come at minimal or no cost to residents.