The Suva City Council is still in the process of selling properties of four ratepayers to recover thousands of dollars in overdue rates which has been outstanding for many years.

Council spokesperson Jillian Hicks said these four ratepayers have not responded to the council's notice to pay up the rates.

Hicks added these are commercial and private properties in Suva City which they are trying to sell and all legal documents are being prepared.

She said it may take time to recover the money.

According to Hicks, the council considers the hard times people are facing as they have been given time to pay off their overdue rates and some are paying off in installments.

Ratepayers still owe the SCC over $10 million in rates.