Ratepayers owe $9m to Lautoka City Council

Around $9 million rate arrears is owed to the Lautoka City Council by its ratepayers.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar informed members of the Lautoka business community of this when she officiated at the Botanical Garden Coffee Shop ground-breaking ceremony.

“I’m just waiting for the day where we can write to the ratepayers and say that for this whole year, you will not be charged any rate because we are financially sustainable, the minister said.

“Unfortunately, that cannot happen very soon.

“If one looks at the data for the Lautoka City Council, we have around 8000 ratepayers and we invoice $5 million a year as rates and unfortunately, $9 million is still owed to the council.”

Mrs Kumar said that with $5 million, it would become extremely difficult to provide infrastructure and to do other work for the municipality.

She also said that when municipal councils make money, they could reinvest in cities and towns.

She stated the Ministry of Local Government also continued to empower municipal councils to be financially sustainable.

The minister also said her ministry and municipal councils have a much greater role and much greater aspirations beyond keeping towns and cities to it.

“We look to create towns and cities of choice for investors as well as for tourists.

“We want to create an environment that’s not only enjoyable, but lifts the quality of living for our Fijians.

“Lautoka City Council’s investment in this coffee shop comes with the intention to enhance the experience at the iconic Botanical Garden.”

Mrs Kumar said the construction of the coffee shop would not only provide Fijians and visitors with another choice of venue for a growing food and beverage and coffee culture, but also generate revenue for the council.