Kini Marawa, the Director of Diabetes Fiji, has called on the Fijian Government and Prime Minister to engage in a comprehensive and inclusive public consultation process before making any modifications to electricity tariffs.
Marawa highlighted the importance of hearing from a broad range of stakeholders, including communities, civil society, health advocates, and vulnerable groups, to ensure that the health and social impacts of any changes are thoroughly assessed. She pointed out that reliable electricity is a fundamental requirement, especially for patients with chronic conditions like Type 1 Diabetes, who depend on electricity for the safe storage of life-saving medications such as insulin.
She expressed concerns that rapid or poorly planned tariff adjustments could jeopardize the welfare of vulnerable households. While she acknowledged efforts by the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) in raising awareness, Marawa criticized the effectiveness of these efforts, arguing that brief awareness campaigns do not equate to genuine public engagement.
Marawa also emphasized that changes in electricity tariffs directly impact households that are already struggling with the rising cost of living, small and medium-sized enterprises, individuals with disabilities, those living with chronic health conditions, and low-income families who may find it challenging to cope with sudden hikes in utility costs.
The call for thoughtful consideration in electricity tariff policies reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of health, economic stability, and community wellbeing, highlighting the need for a careful approach that safeguards the most vulnerable members of society.
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