Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa has drawn attention to a significant challenge faced by municipal councils: a lack of financial benefit from issuing tickets and notices on behalf of other agencies. This is particularly evident in operations such as traffic management, where any fines and penalties go to the responsible agency, like the Land Transport Authority (LTA), yet the councils carry the operational costs.
This situation places an unfair financial burden on councils, whose enforcement teams execute these tasks without receiving any part of the revenue generated. Nalumisa stressed the importance of revisiting current legislation to better align with both existing and future governance and operational processes.
To address this issue, the ministry is actively engaging with stakeholders, including the LTA, to implement necessary policy changes. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to enhance financial and operational efficiency across Fiji’s municipalities.
Additionally, ongoing challenges, such as large-scale unpaid rates, have been a persistent problem for local governments, impairing their capacity to provide essential services. The ministry, alongside the councils, is employing strategies like rate profiling and structured payment plans to bolster revenue collection and financial stability.
Furthermore, various governance reforms aim to foster increased accountability and transparency within councils. This includes reducing reliance on government funding, encouraging councils to adopt a more business-like approach, and improving service standards through effective resource management.
Ultimately, by addressing these issues, the Fijian government seeks to establish a more balanced system in which local councils can operate without being financially disadvantaged by necessary enforcement responsibilities. With policy amendments and improved governance strategies, there is optimism for a fairer and more efficient local government framework that better meets the community’s needs.