The Mata-ni-Tikina Batiki, Tevita Suraki, raised concerns with Goundar Shipping Limited managing director, George Goundar, regarding passengers fare to the Lomaiviti Group of islands.

This was during the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting yesterday.

The district rep for Batiki said the one-way fare of $80 was too expensive for islanders travelling to Gau, Batiki, and Nairai.

“How does Goundar determine the fare? Regardless of franchises, the fare remains unchanged,” Mr Suraki said.

In response, Mr Goundar clarified that his company did not receive the Lomaiviti franchise but was operating there because he wanted to.

Mr Goundar said vessels operated on fuel, which was a costly expense.

He emphasised that the fare was not set by him but by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC).

He added that the Lomaiviti route was economically challenging, and everyone should consider this fact.

“When our vessel goes to Lomaiviti we get less passengers and cargo. Before we used to get about 1000 bags of coconuts coming to Suva and that is something we don’t see anymore,” Mr Goundar said.

“Now we see people sending coconuts to Lomaiviti. At times we have less than 10 passengers going to Lomaiviti.”

He expressed his personal attachment to Lomaiviti, because he himself is a son of Lomaiviti Province.

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