New Province Levy

by Theresa Ralogaivau

Fiji Times - Saturday, July 03, 2010

ALL Cakaudrove men between the ages of 18 to 60 will pay $6 each as provincial levy from next year.

The province is targeting $140,000 with an estimated population of 23,000 Fijian males. This is an increase from the usual $67,000.

Roko Tui Cakaudrove Ro Aca Mataitini said the $6 levy was a change from the one imposed using the vanua structure of clans, villages and landowning units.

"For instance if a clan had to pay $700, the figure would be evenly shared among each unit or mataqali which would collectively raise funds for their contribution towards the total amount," he said.

"Villagers considered it a burden to raise $700 compared to just $6 each male."

The new system relieves women from raising funds to contribute to the levy.

Ro Aca said of the $140,000, $67,000 would go towards village visits and provincial office staff wages. The balance would be directed towards a scholarship fund.

"The Soqosoqo Vakamarama (women's group) is raising $20,000 every year for scholarships which they can now save to fund projects that enhance women's lives."

Another change is the timeframe which is now the end of June. The old timeframe was between January and November each year.

"We have budgeted ahead for operations but provincial levies are paid late so this should solve that," he said.

"If they don't pay within the required timeframe we will have to reconsider some village visits and operations."