Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says it is highly concerning that municipal councils in Fiji are owed close to $33 million in rate fee arrears.
She adds it is of major concern because if municipal councils are not able to collect revenue than obviously the service delivery is affected.
Kumar says it is all about responsible ratepayers adding they are also looking at what are the reasons why the ratepayers are not paying.
The Minister says there are certain provisions within the law and various municipal councils will be taking action as per the law.
Kumar adds she was quite surprised to see in certain municipalities that some households even owed garbage fees although the garbage collection service is provided on a daily basis in areas such as Nasinu.
The amnesty period for defaulting ratepayers ends on 31st December this year.
