Sigatoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Interim Secretary, Doctor Ashank Naidu says that at least five businesses have closed down in the town because of low consumer spending in the past six months.
Doctor Naidu says they have noticed that the economy took a downturn from the later half of last year.
Doctor Naidu says these business owners only relied on their businesses for their income and did not have anything on the side such as farming or property to rent out as a backup.
He adds another compounding issue is the high rent these business owners have to pay.
Doctor Naidu says since the Sigatoka economy is already struggling, he is worried that businesses will have a very difficult time when the full effect of COVID-19 is felt in Sigatoka.
He says shops selling vehicle spare parts are already feeling the effect as they are facing a lot of delays in importing spare parts.
The Sigatoka Chamber of Commerce Interim Secretary adds that without naming any hotels, there are some that are not doing well as there are some hotels that are at 2% and 9% occupancy.
He says February is generally slow for tourism, however the low occupancy rate is lower than usual.
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