It was clear from the Minister for Economy’s speech that the cane price will come down – Bulitavu

SODELPA parliamentarian, Mosese Bulitavu says it was clear from Minister for Economy’s National Budget speech that the price for a tonne of cane has decreased from $85 to $70.

Bulitavu has questioned why government had to reduce the cane price to $70 in the 2020/2021 National Budget and whether this has been done as government does not have money and is waiting for the money to come in.

Bainimarama had stated this morning that the government has promised cane growers a guaranteed price per tonne of 85 dollars for three full seasons. He says that promise will be delivered.

He says the first three payments of the third season will be paid at $70 per tonne, but in the fourth and final wash-up payment, they will make up the full amount of $85 per tonne, as they always do.

Bulitavu adds that there are inconsistencies in government’s policies where it has focused on 1,600 items where duty has been reduced as according to him these items are not consumed and used by people in rural areas.

Bulitavu further said that people in rural areas are suffering and monthly bus fare concessions for the elderly has been reduced to $10. He says one-way bus fare from Savusavu to Labasa is about $8 which means the elderly person will not be able to return home if they travel between these two destinations.

He says this kind of inconsistency policy needs to be reviewed to ensure things are done in a reasonable manner so that no Fijian is left behind.