Serious concerns are being raised by residents of Labasa, who say they were promised a public consultation on the proposed increase in tariff rates by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, but were disappointed that they were not given an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions.
More than hundred people arrived at the Labasa Civic Centre between 10am to mid-day but they only registered their names and took free calendars without having discussions on the tariff rate.
Labasa farmer Dewan Chand, who also works at a law firm, says this was not a consultation but merely an information session where people were told that tariffs would increase.
A frustrated Chand says a consultative process is one in which people’s views are heard, expressed and considered before major decisions are made.
Chand also says he does not agree with the increase, as many people are already living in poverty while the cost of living continues to rise.
He says low-income earners will face serious challenges as salaries and wages remain stagnant, farming returns are weakening and production costs are increasing.
The farmer also raised concerns about the manufacturing sector, noting that around 700 companies are directly involved and that tariff increases for manufacturers are significantly higher than for residential consumers.
He questions who will ultimately bear the higher manufacturing costs.
Chand says these companies will pass on the increased costs to consumers, leaving people with no choice but to pay higher prices for goods.
He also questioned the Government’s promise to reduce the cost of living, stressing that this commitment must be fulfilled.
Questions have been sent to the FCCC CEO Senikavika Jiuta and the Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel.
According to FCCC, consultations will be held at the Seaqaqa Town in front of Legends Investment tomorrow, from 10am to 3pm.
The final Northern Division consultation will take place on Thursday in Savusavu Town, in front of the Savusavu Town Council Office, from 10am to 3pm.
In the Western Division, sessions will be held at the B.L. Naidu Space in Sigatoka Town and at the FNPF Plaza in Nadi Town, both from 10am to 3pm tomorrow.
On Thursday, consultations will take place at the New World Space in Ba Town from 10am to 3pm, while the Lautoka venue is yet to be confirmed.
On Friday, consultations will be held at the Courts Fiji and Max Value corridor in Tavua Town from 10am to 3pm, with the Rakiraki Town venue also to be confirmed.
In the Central Division, consultations will be held next Monday at MHCC Hall in Suva, in Valelevu in front of the New World Supermarket, and in Levuka Main Town, all from 10am to 3pm.
Next Tuesday, sessions will take place at Rups Mega in Nakasi and at the Police tent in front of the Max Value Supermarket in Nausori from 10am to 3pm.
The final consultations will be held next Wednesday, in Lami and Navua, with venues yet to be confirmed, from 10am to 3pm.
