The public consultation regarding the proposed changes to electricity tariff rates in Fiji faced delays today, failing to commence at the scheduled time of 10 am in Suva. Fiji One News arrived at the venue, located outside MoneyGram at the MHCC, shortly before the start time, only to find that there was no setup in place.
It wasn’t until approximately 30 minutes later that preparations for the consultation were finally completed. This delay led to uncertainty among members of the public, who expressed concerns about whether the gathering would still take place and what time it would begin.
Additionally, there are growing apprehensions about the effectiveness of this public consultation format, as traditional practices typically favor more formal settings, like meeting halls, for such significant discussions. Stakeholders are advocating for avenues that foster meaningful engagement from the public, ensuring their voices are heard in crucial matters like electricity rates.
Despite the initial hiccup, there is hope that this consultation can still provide a platform for fruitful dialogue and community involvement in the decision-making process.
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