Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697755547964.pdf (Fiji)
RAKIRAKI TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT (Section 19 – Local Government Act Cap 125) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 RAKESH RAVIND CHANDRA CEO – RAKIRAKI TOWN COUNCIL 1 | P a g e TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1.

HISTORY 2.

COPORATE OVERVIEW 2.1.

2.2.

2.3.

2.4.

Vision Mission Values Role and Responsibilities of the Council 3.

OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL 4.

ORGANISATION CHART/STRUCTURE 5.

ADMIN & FINANCE 6.

PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES 7.

PARKS/GARDENS/SPACES Page No.

3 4-5 6 7 8-11 12 13 8.


PUBLIC HEALTH/ENVIRONMENT/BUILDING & SUBDIVISION 13-14 9.

PROJECT 10.

HUMAN RESORCE/INDUSTRIAL RELATION 11.

APPRECIATION 14 15 16 2 | P a g e 1.0 HISTORY Rakiraki town boasts a number of historic sites and buildings.

It has the first sugar mill in Fiji, the first Hindu Temple when the Fijians of Indian descent first settled in Fiji.
It has the first primary school Established in western division; it has burial ground of the last cannibal “Udreudre” 1.1 ESTABLISHMENT The Town of Rakiraki was legally declared on Thursday July 1 2010.

The Public Service Commission approved the use of an office space in the government rented complex at Vaileka House where official operations commenced on Monday 6th July 2010.
1.2 POPULATION It has about 4952 residents were recorded from 2007 Census .Rakiraki is an ideal city where people from various ethnic backgrounds have settled and have lived harmoniously and have prospered with their hard work and dedication.

Total of 9 schools, 3 secondary schools & 6 primary schools.

1.3 LOCATION The city is situated in the western side of Viti Levu, the largest island of Fiji.
The city is surrounded with the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side together with sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides.

3 | P a g e 2.0 COPORATE OVERVIEW 2.1 Vision The Rakiraki Town is a well-planned, healthy, safe and secure community with a strong community identity and sense of place.

It is a full service, economically sustaining town where people can affordably live, work, shop and recreate.
It has an integrated open space, rivers, mountains and parks system that provide opportunities for residents to enjoy the natural resources of the community as well as quality, up to date infrastructure and facilities.

The architecture and streetscape design provide for a small town, pedestrian oriented ambience.

Neighborhood centers provide parks, shopping and community gathering opportunities in an appropriate mix and scale that promotes a feeling of community and connectedness.
Rakiraki has an active, educated and involved citizenry who provide invaluable resources to the town through their spirit of volunteerism and civic participation.
2.2 Mission The town of Rakiraki mission is to create and sustain our community vitality and quality of life by: Planning well for our Town’s future while preserving the traditions of our past; Instilling a sense of belonging and connection within our community Safeguarding our community; Providing adequate and quality community facilities and services and programs; i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. Ensuring the economic health and fiscal stability of the Town; vi.
Balancing economic development with the social values, traditions and needs of the community; vii.
Developing positive relations with our citizens, businesses and partners and promoting community involvement; Providing opportunities for citizens to enjoy and participate in educational, cultural and artistic VALUES 2.3 Values The delivery of all services is based on the following core values: Innovative and Transparent Leadership, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Customer Focus, Environmental Sustainability, Teamwork and Commitment, Civic Pride and Safety.
4 | P a g e 2.4 Role and Responsibilities of the Council The council is responsible for the formulation and implementation of town Bylaws and planning policies.

To achieve this, the council defines the core business and responsibilities for 2018 as follows: a) Corporate services i.

Implementation of policy decisions for the overall administration of the council’s budgeting, planning, financial and accounting control and managing human resources.

b) Local Government i.


Implementation and evaluation of the performance of council and stakeholders for good governance of economic activities.

Acts and regulations implementation.

c) Commercial Vehicles i.

Provision of stands for public transportation and access of the public.

d) Market Operation i. Administer the provision of market services with specific emphasis on quality of products and regularized standards and infrastructure.

e) Women Vendors Overnight Accommodation i.


Manage, coordinate and monitor the economic empowerment of women in line with the UN Women Partner Improving Market project and UNDP PC Millennium Market objectives.

f) Investment i.

Partner with investment Fiji for profile marketing of Rakiraki to Local and g) Commercialization overseas investors.

i.

Public Private Partnership/sole operations for additional revenue generations.
5 | P a g e 3.0 OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL The Principal Officer of the Council for the period of this report is the Interim Special Administrator, Ralulu Cirikiyasawa.
Staff support Team Market Ilaisa Vakaloloma Suriya Nand Administration Rakesh Ravind Chandra Salesia Buka Finance Deepika Darshni Goundar Enforcement Epeli Vukinagauna Labourers (7) Sitiveni Uqe Satend Kumar Ravneel Kumar Rakesh Kumar Poasa Rareba Laisiasa Valesu Tukana Nemia Naulumatua Project /Rates officer Emi Adi Vutevute JICA Volunteer Riochicoga 6 | P a g e 4.0 RAKIRAKI TOWN COUNCIL - ORGANISATION STRUCTURE 2016 Chief Executive Officer Finance Administrative Assistant Market Manager Enforcement Rates officer Driver JICA Volunteer Market Attendant Laborers 7 | P a g e 5.0 FINANCE 5.1 Rates Months Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 2016 15347.63 3133.74 233.09 1335.31 10117.01 220 547.25 2612.29 2795.93 3600.22 1685.32 3026.3 44654.09 5.2 Garbage Fees The Council levied garbage fees of $23.00 per bin per annum; this is the rate that was being levied by the Rural LocalAuthority when operations were transferred to the Council of 28th September 2010.
Garbage collection is Outsource (Greenland Motor Repairs ) Business License Fees The Business License survey team recorded one hundred and ninety eight (198) business in town boundary due to the aftermath of TC Winston 33% 67% Business License Fully paid Defaulters The Enforcement officer is following up on the defaulters.

Council understand that businesses are badly affected by the aftermath of TC Winston.

Therefore grace period is given for Businesses to settle their arreas.
8 | P a g e 5.3 Municipal Market Fees Market Fees have not been reviewed since the operation were transferred from the Ra Rural Local Authority on the 28th September 2010.

Current fees are: Inside stall ( with tables) i.

Outside ground space ( without tables) - ii.

- iii.

Digicel block stalls - iv.

Main market block - v. Kava stall - vi.

- vii.


- Refreshment Bar Fish market 25 cents per block 45 cents per space per day $1.15 cents per stall per day $35 dollars per month $2.30 per day $206 per month 10 cents per kg There was a decrease in Market Fees collected due to the waiver of fees that was directed by the Ministry to our Market Vendors.
5.4 Commercial Vehicle Base Fees There are (2) taxi stands in the town boundary: - Name of stand No.of Taxi Ra Sub-divisional Hospital Rakiraki Market 3 49 5.5 Carriers There is only (1) carrier stands in the town boundary: - Name of stand Rakiraki Market No.of Carriers 19 5.6 Minibuses Name of stand Rakiraki Market No.of Minibuses 2 9 | P a g e 5.7 RECURRENT REVENUE & EXPENDITURE The total recurrent revenue and expenditure of the council for the year ending December 31, 2016 were as follows:- 10 | P a g e General FundMarket Operations37,737.18$ Garbage Fees11,228.33$ Toilet Operations23,913.30$ Rent - Refreshment Bar 2,404.20$ Permit fees4,619.20$ Hire Boardroom1,670.00$ Town Rates49,863.94$ Business License Fees67,356.88$ Commercial Vehicle Base Fees31,327.84$ Traffic Fines1,100.00$ Litter Fines820.00$ Rakiraki Carnival 201626,201.00$ TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE258,241.87$ CAPITAL GRANT & CHALLENGE FUNDGrant - MLGUDHE (Salary - CEO)30,000.00$ Capital Grant- Market Development-$ Carnival Convenience-$ Challenge Fund - 100 Parking Meter-$ TD04F Post Flood Cleanup Phase I-$ TD04F Post Flood Cleanup Phase II-$ Subsidy Grant-$ SPREP Grant-$ TOTAL CAPITAL & CHALLENGE FUND REVENUE30,000.00$ OPERATING INCOMEACTUAL 2016 5.8 EXPENDITURE 11 | P a g e Staff Wages132,591.15$ CEO- Additional Benefit3,603.96$ Dump Naria22,330.00$ CEO Vehicle / utility-$ Stationery4,271.85$ Public Toilet Expenses5,325.54$ Town Rates Expense300.00$ Office Expense47,678.46$ Servicing -Council Vehicle (FW 171)1,737.65$ Works Expenses/ Beautification2,158.29$ Petty Cash4,755.30$ Post Fiji - Box Rental41.00$ FNPF24,911.39$ Diesel (IL 135)1,724.10$ Fuel (FW 171)2,148.21$ LICI5,451.25$ Worshop & Meetings5,896.05$ Staff Training-$ IT Upgrade-$ Religious Festive Celebration-$ Carnival Expense22,777.32$ Vodafone Group call2,918.64$ Water Bill6,699.35$ Telephone Bill323.87$ Electricity Bill9,591.59$ BSP Health Insurance1,646.31$ BSP Life Insurance1,037.80$ PAYE - CEO2,080.51$ VAT7,770.09$ FBT - FW 171479.00$ FNU Levy706.16$ Clean Up Campaign-$ Motor Cycle
 (Scooter )-$ Centennial Celebration4,453.68$ TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 325,408.52$ CAPITAL GRANT & CHALLENGE FUNDGrant - MLGUDHE (Salary - CEO)30,000.00$ Capital Grant- Market Development-$ Carnival Convenience-$ Challenge Fund - 100 Parking Meter-$ TD04F Post Flood Cleanup Phase I-$ TD04F Post Flood Cleanup Phase II-$ SPREP Grant-$ TOTAL CAPITAL & CHALLENGE FUND EXPENSE30,000.00$ SUMMARYIncome288,241.87$ Expenditure355,408.52$ DEFICIT/ SURPLUS(67,166.65)$ EXPENDITURE 6.0 PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES These services were offered to the public for the Council by the Fiji Roads Authority in terms of : 1.
Street lights 2.

Footpath 6.1 ROADS & DRAINS The Council is awaiting the roads upgrade project from the Central Coordinating Agency for Roads but drain cleaning is carried out by the Market Staff.

The Fiji Roads Authority does routine maintenance work on the municipal roads whilst the Council assist with roadside grass cutting when required.

All Fiji Roads owned road drains are still maintained by the Council.

This is an added expense to the Council with very minimal return from Fiji Roads Authority.
Normal Routine services and maintenance such as garbage /refuse collection , grass cutting in the town area, cleaning of public drains, clean up campaigns, mowing the road verges and upkeep of parks & gardens were carried out throughout the year 6.2 Other Services • Mosquito spraying with Health Office • Stray dogs campaign with Mins.
of Agriculture • Clean up campaign • Waste collection (Outsourced) 12 | P a g e 7.0 PARKS /GARDENS/ OPEN SPACES There is only one (1) park and no garden or open spaces in the Council.

However, the Department of Lands & Survey is working on vesting of these spaces to the Council.
Planting of trees and flowers was also undertaken in the commercial and industrial areas as part of an ongoing beautification of the town and keep up with the image of Rakiraki being a “GREEN TOWN” 8.0 PUBLIC HEALTH /ENVIRONMENT/BUILDING & SUB-DIVISION The Council has worked with the Ministry of Health in the integrated planning and public Health/environment management.
However due to the absence of full-time health inspector with the Council, the Council depends on the time allocated by the Ministry of Health and its assistance and support the municipality.

The Council has also in partnership with the Ministry of Environment , has trained and appointed Litter Prevention Officer (LPO).In view of lack of resources to employ LPOs on a full time basis, the officers have been appointed on a voluntary basis.
Completed 1 2 - 5 3 4 1 3 19 8.1 SUMMARY OF INSPECTION Types of Premises Inspected Repairs, cleaning of hotel, boarding houses Illegal structures Accumulation of refuse referred to contractor Cleaning of overgrown grass Repairs to water mains- referred to PWD Supermarkets, markets, greengrocers Improvements of Bakery Inspection of nuisance from farm Total 8.2 Registration of Food Premises Refreshment Bar Bake House Hotels Kava Pounding Restaurants without Liquor Butcher shops Supermarket Food shop Hawkers Total 13 | P a g e Order 1 3 - 7 5 4 1 5 26 12 2 1 1 6 2 5 20 10 59 8.3 NUMBER OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT DURING THE YEAR TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT New Alteration & Total for Applications Repairs Extensions the Year Residential Commercial Industrial Hotels/Resorts Schools Civic Miscellaneous TOTAL 9 1 - - - - - 10 2 - - - 2 - - 4 4 - - - - - - 4 15 1 - - 2 - - 18 9.0 PROJECT: 1.
New Market Complex 14 | P a g e 10.0 HUMAN RESOURCE & INDUSTRIAL RELATION At the end of the year, the council had following employees on its payroll:- Department Permeant Contract Total 3 8 1 2 1 15 3 8 1 1 1 15 15 ] Admin & Finance Market & Works Enforcement Officer Rates Volunteer ( JICA) Total [2016 : RETIREMENT None .
RESIGNATION None TERMINATED None 15 | P a g e 11.0 APPRECIATION The council wishes to convey its appreciation and gratitude to the ratepayers for paying their rates and other dues to meet the running cost of the city administration.

The council also wishes to acknowledge the dedicated and loyal services rendered by its staff and employees.

RAKESH RAVIND CHANDRA CEO – RAKIRAKI TOWN COUNCIL 16 | P a g e