The Ministry of Local Government is in consultation with all Municipal Councils nationwide regarding Policy reforms and initiatives for the new fiscal year 2021-2022.
One of the major changes for the Councils is the change in the financial year, which will now be aligned with the Government’s fiscal year beginning from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022. This modification is by virtue of an amendment to the Local Government Act 1972. The change in financial year will align budget planning and financial reporting by the Councils with that of the Government, to ensure easier acquittal processes for projects and grants which is funded by the State.
“The ratepayers are reminded that the Municipal Councils are in the midst of issuing rates notice for the new financial year starting from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022. Most Councils have taken the initiative of providing incentives to the ratepayers in the form of discounts to encourage ratepayers to pay off their rates early. As we are battling the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Municipal Councils in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, have adopted this measure to provide some relief to the ratepayers”, stated Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar.
In addition, from 1 August 2021, the Municipal Market Vendors have been provided stall fee waiver by the Government. A sum of $2.6 million has been allocated to pay the market stall fees for one year ending on 31 July 2022 and this change applies to both casual and permanent vendors. This assistance will put more money in vendor’s pockets.
In addition to the above initiatives, a total of $2.5 million has been allocated by the Government to pay base fees for taxis, minibuses, carriers and buses for one year. This initiative provides much needed relief to the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners during these challenging times.
“The Councils around the country have been urged to implement appropriate strategies to strengthen their financial positions and focus on the collection of market fees arrears and arrears in PSV fees until 31 July 2021. Strategies need to be further realised by the Councils to collect the rates arrears, which remains the major revenue stream of all the Councils. There are Municipal Councils who are not financially healthy and are struggling to provide basic services. The Councils must develop innovative plans to strengthen the operations of the Councils by first prioritising fixed expenses. They have been encouraged to thoughtfully execute measures to become financially independent and sustainable” said Minister Kumar.
The Council Officers and Municipal Market Vendors are reminded that the Ministry and Municipal Councils will continue to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (General Workplace Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. Therefore, it is imperative to note that the Council staff and market vendors who refused to get vaccinated, will not be allowed into the market from 1 August 2021. They will be denied entry, unless he/she has received the first dose of the vaccine. Vendors with exemption certificates issued by the Ministry of Health will be allowed to sell from the markets.
The Ministry is committed towards adhering to the requirements of COVID Safe protocols and laws. It is imperative that we have a COVID Safe Fiji as soon as practicable for the benefit of every Fijian.
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