More businesses may close down in the Sugar City because there has not been any kind of assistance offered to business owners to help them sustain their daily trading.
Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy noted this after some traders raised their concerns with the association.
“A lot of businesses are closing because they can’t afford to pay their rent and there is no means of assistance being offered to help them keep their business afloat,” Mr Reddy said.
“The western part of Viti Levu relied a lot on the tourism industry and this has not been the case anymore. A lot of people are laid off work while some are on reduced hours and this has resulted in people not buying because they are unemployed and they do not have money to buy.
“We have spoken to some business owners and they said business is down and the rent is high and they simply cannot afford to pay their rent and maintain their trade.”
Mr Reddy said traders were hoping for some form of financial relief in the recent budget announcement and most have feared to let go of their business because of their inability to keep their business afloat.
He added the association had also spoken to some business owners if a concession could be given to their tenants, however, the owners stated they also had payments to make.
