Concerns have been raised over the increase in electricity tariff, with villagers of Namara in Tailevu saying the decision is financially driven and was made without proper awareness.
Eroni Daunibau of Naisausau Village says many people in rural communities were not informed or even made aware of the increase.
He believes authorities are not placing enough importance on the views of ordinary people, particularly those living in villages.
He stresses that many villages across Fiji do not fully understand the changes, as information is mostly accessible in central and developed areas.
Daunibau says the rising cost of electricity is adding further pressure to the already high cost of living, with village communities among the most affected.
He adds that the issue was never discussed during village meetings in Namara and says he only learned about the increase through radio news on VITIFM.
According to Daunibau, this lack of information has resulted in villagers not taking the issue seriously.
Daunibau believes such decisions are making life increasily difficult for ordinary citize
He says that as a response, he has chosen to become more self-reliant rather than depend on systems that frequently change and fail to meet people’s needs.
He explains that his household uses solar panels, torches, and kerosene lamps.
Daunibau emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, urging people not to depend too heavily on government resources, which he says often do not meet the needs of the people.
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