Businesses in the Nadroga/Navosa area are grappling with ongoing water supply disruptions, flooding, crime concerns, and rising fuel and gas prices, all of which continue to place significant pressure on businesses across the province.
Responding to questions by fijivillage News, Nadroga/Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Suresh Naidu says the area, particularly around Sigatoka Town, has faced two major compounding crises in recent years, namely severe water supply disruptions and chronic flooding caused by poor drainage.
Naidu says both issues have heavily disrupted businesses in what is regarded as Fiji's tourism and agricultural hub.
He has also highlighted that the triple threat of illicit drugs, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and loitering remains a highly pressing issue for Sigatoka and the broader Coral Coast tourism belt.
He says while police have pointed to reductions in some serious crime categories, local business owners and market vendors believe the visibility and nature of these activities have significantly intensified.
Naidu further says rising fuel and gas prices are having a major impact on businesses because Nadroga/Navosa is both Fiji's "Salad Bowl" and one of the country's key tourism centres.
He says tourism operators are facing a "double whammy" as fuel remains a major operating expense for tour companies, airport transfer services and marine operators.
Naidu says many businesses are being forced to choose between absorbing higher fuel costs or passing those costs on to customers.
He also says resorts are feeling the effects of higher freight costs, with the cost of everything from imported linens to kitchen ingredients increasing before goods even reach their destination.
The Chamber President further says farmers rely on fuel-driven trucks to transport heavy produce from deep within the Navosa valley to markets in Sigatoka, Nadi and Suva and increasing diesel costs are making those trips far more expensive.
Naidu adds that fuel is also needed for tractors, irrigation pumps and processing machinery, increasing production costs across the agricultural sector.
He says local agribusinesses are finding it difficult to pass those increased costs on to consumers who are already struggling with the cost of living.
Naidu further says small businesses in Sigatoka Town, including bakeries, restaurants and retailers, are facing higher LPG and electricity costs.
He says many small and medium enterprises are struggling just to keep their doors open.
Naidu says the business community wants a blend of immediate government intervention, regulatory transparency and structural transitions to help address these challenges and support businesses in the province.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered next Friday.
