Umaria urges rate payers to come forward and pay their dues

The Suva City Council is owed $18 million in rate arrears.

Special Administrator Chandu Umaria said they have not increased their rates for the past 12 years and has urged ratepayers to come forward and pay their dues.

He said a number of cases is before the Small Claims Tribunal while they are waiting for High Court ruling on some cases where people owe them rates.

Umaria has also suggested to take the matter to the Attorney General and Prime Minister to place a travel ban on people who owe them rates.

Umaria said they sold off two properties in Mark Street Suva and Samabula last year to collect their dues.

He has issued a strict warning.

He added that some rate payers owe them rates for more than five years adding that they need money to provide services to the people.