Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, says his ministry has introduced a programme to offer incentives to get communities to pay up their property taxes.

Arscott says among the incentives being offered is the undertaking of infrastructural projects in communities which have no outstanding property taxes.

He says the Haughton Grove community in Hanover has been one such beneficiary and there are plans to undertake similar infrastructural projects in other communities in the coming year.

The local government minister was addressing Western Jamaica Economic Forum, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in Rose Hall, St James, recently.

Arscott implored residents of St James to pay up their property taxes, and gave a commitment that once the taxes are paid, he will ensure that the incentive programme is rolled out in the parish.

He disclosed that the local government ministry has set a target of $7.26 billion for property tax collection.

Arscott says so far the intake has been just under $5 billion.

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