COVID-19: Rising transport costs concern Beqa farmers

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Akuila Niumataiwalu (left) and Marika Tuicaucau from Dakuni, Beqa at the Wainadoi checkpoint on Friday, June 4, 2021. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU

Farmers are taking a beating from the prolonged border closures and lockdown.

And farmers from Beqa Island said the rising transport costs were one of the main issues arising out of the health measures undertaken by the Government.

Yesterday, two farmers from Dakuni in Beqa said they barely made any money as cost of goods were also crippling.

Akuila Niumataiwalu and Marika Tuicaucau said the cost of travelling by a fibreglass boat to Navua was about $30, and previously seven people could share the costs of a ride.

With the Covid-19 restrictions, only four people were allowed on the boat – which meant passengers had to fork out more.

Mr Tuicaucau, a father of three, said they not only had to deal with a reduced income from the sale of farm produce, but also the cost of basic food items in Navua.

“The closure of the border has affected farmers especially because we cannot get our farm produce to Suva and we are forced to sell it at a cheaper price in Navua so we can purchase basic food items and get home before the 6pm curfew.”

The duo was at the Wainadoi border to trade yaqona with a customer from Suva.

They also said buses were not available in the area so they had to hire a taxi for $32 to take them to and from the border.

“This is very costly for us and we are struggling.”

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