May 09, 2012

Radio Australia: Fiji businesses crippled by floods


Posted 9 May 2012, 9:36 AEST

More than 30 businesses in Fiji's flood-ravaged Nadi Town will not reopen because of losses incurred during recent disasters, a survey has found.

The Nadi Chamber of Commerce, which conducted the research, found many businesses owners were struggling to repay loans following the March floods.
"We have survived in the past but not as bad as this time around," Chamber president Ram Raju told Pacific Beat.
"We are still hoping to try help many of those who have closed to seek assistance from the Chamber and we're working closely with financial institutions to help them resume their businesses."
The survey also found up to 40 businesses were considering relocating to higher ground.
"There is a need to look into the relocating issue ... but there is a good number of people who still like to live and operate and do businesses in town," Mr Raju said.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced it will provide $US260,000 in aid for victims of the flood.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency, which is implementing the program, said it would provide food rations for 4,450 families for one month.
"In cooperation with the government, we are confident we can at least meet the immediate needs of the people," said ADRA Germany's Asia Pacific spokeswoman Gabriela Zitter.
Nadi is the third largest city in Fiji and home to the country's international airport.

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