The Suva City Council has filed 600 cases in court in an effort to recover $14 million in rates owed to the council.

Special Administrator Chandu Umaria said these rates have accumulated over the years and some rates have not been paid for over 18 years.

Umaria said the 600 cases filed in court are against property owners while those people who owe up to $5000 in rates to the council will be taken to the Small Claims tribunal.

He also said they are now seeking the assistance of the courts, the credit bureau and line ministries so that people pay their dues adding that people can still make arrangements with the council and pay up their rates.

Meanwhile the Nadi Town Council is now planning to take drastic action against ratepayers through the partnership with the Disciplined Forces as close to two million dollars in rates is owed to the Council.

Special Administrator Aisea Tuidraki says a total of $1.6 million is owed to the council which has accumulated over the years dating back to the 90’s.

Tuidraki said the drastic measure is necessary as they have also found that some businesses have been operating illegally.

Tuidraki said the council is giving the ratepayers till next Thursday to pay up.

Story by: PraneetaDeo and Sofaia Koroitanoa