Residents owe the Nadi City Council almost $F18 million in unpaid rates, according to Chief Executive Terrence O’Neill.
He warned that the defaulters could run as long as they liked but they cannot hide.
He said the Council is implementing a number of strategies to reach the defaulting ratepayers and persuade them to meet their obligations.
He said the Council was not considering the legal option for the time being in view of the cost and time involved.
“We have in place better solutions to collect our dues from the defaulting ratepayers. Our officials are visiting defaulters at their homes to find out the reason for non-payment of the rates,” Mr O’Neill said.
He said these visits helped collect $100,000 but it was a long way before all the dues could be settled.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between the Council and customers. Regular meetings are also held with the community at various wards,” he said.
He said details of defaulters were now a part of the database of the Council.
“They cannot escape, since they would need public services wherever they go.”
Meanwhile, in a bid to improve accessibility, the Council has joined hands with Post Fiji, which has started receiving specified payments from customers.
By Arrangement with The Jet (Community Newspaper)
