School and rent
Back to school struggle
JUST like last year, The Fiji Times has highlighted the struggles that families are going through to prepare their children for the 2021 academic year.
These stories are not made up, but are authentic as parents are taking the extra mile to ensure that their children return to school.
Just as the country was feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, STC Yasa struck, and it devastated the North, leaving families homeless.
Students have lost their stationery and other school-based essential items such as bags, sandals and calculators.
However, good Samaritans have been in the North distributing school packs to the affected and needy families, and I salute them for this gesture.
On the other hand, my heart goes out to those families who are struggling to meet their ends. Some, as reported by The Fiji Times, are resorting to desperate measures to get their children into the classrooms.
The headings in yesterday’s The Fiji Times, “COVID takes toll on family”, “Tough times for mum of seven with no jobs”, “FENC Fiji stretches resources”, “Father struggles to get sons ready” and “Kava helps mum prepare kids” do not paint a good picture as we are two weeks shy of school. However, I’m adamant that good Samaritans and NGOs will help the poor and the needy families and those affected by STC Yasa. Good on you The Fiji Times for highlighting the plight of the poor and needy families. You are a champion for the poor, and our reliable and trusted brand!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Rent freeze
THE rent freeze on residential properties has been extended until
December 31, 2021.
According to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) the extension was necessary to ensure fair treatment of tenants because many were struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic (FT 4/1).
What about the landlords whose livelihoods are dependent on the rental income?
Have their interest been taken into consideration when reaching this decision?
Doesn’t the landlord also deserve to be given a fair treatment as well given the fact that the freeze has been in place since 2007. Has the FCCC conducted any analysis to ascertain if the cost of other variables such as land rent, building materials, construction, cost of living, etc has remained stagnant in the past 13 years?
It also creates a disparity between the old and newer properties whereby the latter is allowed to fix the rate for the first letting. Will this not promote unfair competition? Therefore, I firmly believe the restriction is not justified and is highly challengeable. Let us not forget the FCCC is there to protect the interests of both parties. And not one at the expense of the other.
SELWA NANDAN
Lautoka