The Suva City Council will be taking the appropriate steps to recover over $10 million in overdue rates.

Council spokesperson Jillian Hicks said it is a concern that many ratepayers have not come forward to clear their rates.

She said the council considers the hard times people are facing adding they have been given time to pay off their overdue rates with some paying it off in installments.

According to Hicks, they have started the process of selling properties of four ratepayers to recover thousands of dollars in overdue rates which has been outstanding for many years.

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

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.