A Taveuni supermarket owner is warning that the island could soon face shortages of food, fuel and other essential supplies unless shipping services resume soon.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Sun City Supermarket owner Rohil Chaudhari says the disruption has already affected businesses and residents across the island.
He says farmers are unable to transport and sell produce such as yaqona and dalo, leaving many without an income.
Insert: Chaudhari on boat suspension
He says his truck has been stranded in Suva since last week after being fully loaded with goods for Taveuni, and remains parked inside a vessel because services are still suspended.
Chaudhari says while discussions continue, it is the people of Taveuni who are paying the price, with businesses running low on stock, fuel becoming scarce and families worried about essential supplies.
He says his driver and staff have also been away from their families while waiting for a solution so the cargo can be delivered to the island.
Chaudhari is calling on the Government and relevant authorities to work together and restore shipping services as soon as possible.
Chaudhari says they knew shipping companies had suspended services but did not expect the disruption to last this long.
He is also calling on the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji to explain why shipping services remain suspended and what is being done to restore them.
Chaudhari is urging the Government, MSAF, shipping companies and all parties involved to work together to find an urgent solution.
He says if the current vessels cannot operate, alternative arrangements should be made so essential supplies can continue reaching the island.
He stresses that the issue is not about taking sides, but about ensuring the people of Taveuni continue to have access to food, fuel, medicine and other basic necessities.
Chaudhari hopes Taveuni is not forgotten as efforts continue to resolve the shipping disruption.
MSAF is yet to respond.
We have contacted the Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto. They are yet to comment.
