Default ratepayers should beware says the Suva City Council.

The Council has lodged 600 default ratepayers’ cases to the Small Claims tribunal. These are those people that owe less than $5000 to the Council.

Another 700 cases are before the courts.

Special Administrator Chandu Umaria says the ratepayers have taken them for a ride and it’s time actions are taken against them.

“As you know it takes time for case to be heard when before the courts because of so many back log of cases and like I have said once we get the approval from the magistrates we will be selling properties to get this rates into our coffers.”

The Council sold three properties last year.