SCC owed $37.958M in rate and rent arrears, Name and Shame plan to recover outstanding arrears

The Suva City Council is owed $37.958 million in total rates and rental arrears until the 30th of September this year, and it now plans to introduce a "Name and Shame" initiative, publicly revealing defaulters who have failed to clear their dues.

This was highlighted today to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs, where Suva City Council Acting CEO Tevita Boseiwaqa emphasized the urgency of addressing the significant financial burden created by unpaid rates.

Boseiwaqa says these arrears are impacting the Council’s ability to maintain essential services such as garbage collection, drainage upkeep and park enhancements.

He further says the Council has identified 123 vacant lots across various wards with substantial arrears, totaling over $2.27 million.

Freehold leases make up the majority of the unpaid rates, representing a major financial concern for the Council.

In an interview with fijivillage News, Boseiwaqa says the Council will implement it’s approach cautiously.

He says they will give defaulters a fair chance to clear their dues and if there is no improvement, they will proceed with publishing their names, emphasizing that this step will be a last resort.

He says defaulters are encouraged to come forward and negotiate installment plans or waivers if they are experiencing hardships.

He further says the "Name and Shame" initiative is expected to roll out by the end of the year, sending a strong message to ratepayers that failure to settle outstanding arrears will not go unnoticed.