The cost of travelling from Moala in the Lau Group to Viti Levu is high and islanders are struggling to buy basic food items because of the increase in prices, said Moala District Council of Social Services vice president Vuli Lomani.
Speaking during the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) rally in Suva on Saturday last week, Mr Lomani said they still don’t understand why locally produced items such as sugar were expensive in Moala.
“One thing that we were really disappointed with is that these people, who are in government now, came to our doorsteps and promised us they would do something about the price of food, especially in the village,” Mr Lomani said.
“They convinced us to vote for them, and now that they are in government, they’ve done nothing they had promised us they would do when they were still campaigning.
“We were the ones who voted for them, and they’re up there with no actions.”
He said the normal boat fare to Viti Levu from Moala was about $130 but those coming over for dental services paid almost $160.
On the island, he said, the cost of a packet of FMF biscuits had increased to $3 while a packet of Rewa Life milk now cost $6.50.
“As a representative of the youths and the villages in Moala, we would to like to request that if the increase for MPs’ salary does go through, at least increase our salary as well, or maybe lower the prices of food to an affordable rate.
“We also would like to request if the Ministry of Health can send some people to come and train us so we can know what to do instead of having to pay more than $150 just to get a tooth pulled out.”
He was joined by many who turned up for the rally, including Clemen Dari from Lautoka.
“We boarded the bus at 3 in the morning, just to show our solidarity to the cause,” Mr Dari said.
“When we talk about the increment of wages and salaries, it affects families directly.
“Everyone has a free will to raise their opinions and views, and we pray that leaders would listen to us, and act accordingly.”
