The Shefa Provincial Council is urging residents of rural Efate to pay their property taxes and business licenses. This initiative is part of their regular operations aimed at ensuring compliance with local laws.

The council has been conducting these operations annually in various areas of rural Efate. Shefa Province stated that many residents have not been respecting the laws regarding property tax and business licenses, prompting the council to take action.

A team of 25 officers, along with area administrators, is leading these efforts, particularly in southern Efate. The payment of property tax is essential as it funds services provided by the Shefa Provincial Council.

Mr. Willie Suran Kalo, the Senior Compliance Officer for Shefa Province, said it is important to pay property taxes and business licenses. He explained that operating a business is considered a trade, and therefore requires a business license under the relevant laws.

During the operations, the enforcement team checks the business licenses of small market vendors. If they find a business without a license, they will issue a notice requiring the owner to obtain one.

Mr. Suran also mentioned the fees associated with the licenses. Typically, the fee is 10,000 Vatu, but due to a provision in the law, a 50% discount is available, allowing residents to pay only 5,000 Vatu for their business licenses.

The current operations for collecting property tax and business licenses are ongoing and are expected to conclude by the end of this month.