One of the coalition government partners, SODELPA, is calling on the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to act urgently as they have noticed continuous increases in prices of goods, and more talk underway of more increases like the proposed rise in the electricity tariff rates.
SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says the FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham’s salary is more than the Prime Minister’s salary, but the FCCC’s late reaction in conducting price checks and keeping businesses in check is concerning.
Takayawa says they have taken the issue of the rising cost of living to the SODELPA ministers in cabinet and also to the coalition committee to be gentle with the people.
He says an urgent approach is needed as retailers seem to be getting away with ridiculous increases in prices week after week, both in the urban and rural areas.
The SODELPA General Secretary adds the FCCC should be doing massive awareness campaigns before they get the views of the worst affected families.
He stresses whatever that is being done and whatever reasons that are being given by the FCCC are not enough for the people.
Questions have been sent to the FCCC. Takayawa says the SODELPA Management Board will also discuss this issue this Friday.
