The Savusavu Town Council is struggling with a significant financial strain as ratepayers owe $470,000 in arrears to the Council as of this month.
The Chair, Shiu Sharma confirmed this to fijivillage News and highlighted that it has a severe impact on the Council’s operations.
Sharma says town rates are a primary revenue source for the Council, and non-payment affects essential services such as garbage collection, community upkeep and other municipal responsibilities.
He says when some ratepayers die and when legal action is taken against the defaulters, it takes them years to clear their arrears.
The Council is urging residents to settle their outstanding payments promptly to ensure the continuity of critical services and maintaining the town's well-being.
