Carpenter Struggles with High Cost of Living
“Nothing is cheap these days, and I’m just hoping Government will be more considerate and smarter this Friday.”
Tuesday 25 June 2024 | 12:55
Casual carpenter, Nandal Lal outside his home at Namara Settlement in Labasa on June 24, 2024. Photo: Jone Salusalu
Casual carpenter Nandal Lal believes Fiji is being bombarded with the high cost of living.
As the country anticipates the National Budget for 2024-2025 announcement this Friday, Mr Lal is hopeful that Government will address this issue more diligently.
The 60-year-old lives at the Namara Settlement in Labasa which is outskirts Labasa Town and closer to the Namara rubbish landfill.
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Mr Lal is a casual carpenter after an incident early this year which affected his hand.
“I accidentally drilled my hand with a hand drill early this year, and since then, I struggled to find full-time employment,” he said.
“I do not and will never let this incident be a barrier for me, though I’m struggling financially, especially with the current food prices and all, I still find a way.
“At the end of the day, no one will come and give us food.”
VAT
Last August, Government increased Value Added Tax (VAT) from nine to 15 per cent.
Mr Lal said Government leaders had not been considerate of impoverished people.
He is adamant in this budget that Government will have some compassion and reconsider reducing the high cost of living.
“It makes me sad that we have to plea, ask and justify how the cost of living is affecting how we live,” Mr Lal said.
“Nothing is cheap these days, and I’m just hoping Government will be more considerate and smarter this Friday.”
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
