To prevent the consumer rights of Fijians living in rural areas from being exploited, an initiative is underway to help them better understand their rights as consumers.
The initiative aims to train village headmen and arm them with the ability to conduct market surveillance and inspections.
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission CEO Joel Abraham says the goal is to allow widespread coverage in villages and maritime areas in terms of market monitoring and compliance after which village headmen will then need to submit their monthly, quarterly and annual reports of the inspections conducted.
Abraham says this will allow the village headmen to raise issues at the Tikina and Yasana meetings.
He adds ultimately, the goal is to improve compliance with the FCCC Act 2010, and to ensure that villagers are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous traders.
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has partnered with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to undertake this initiative and they will also facilitate and coordinate awareness workshops in communities and participate in roadshows and consultations.
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