Fiji will know within the next few hours on whether Fiji Water will permanently shut down its factory in Ra or agree to pay the Water Resource Tax of 15 cents a litre for the natural water extracted.
Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said a meeting was held earlier this afternoon with Fiji Water to get a clear answer on what the US company plans to do.
When Fijivillage asked whether the 15 cents a litre Water Resource Tax issue is part of any negotiations, Commodore Bainimarama only said that this was not discussed.
Commodore Bainimarama said he wants to get the confirmation from Fiji Water, and if the response is that they will close shop in Fiji, then government's alternative plans will kick in.
Just over 24 hours from when Fiji Water announced the closure of its factory in Fiji, there is still no statement forthcoming from the US company on whether it will permanently close down its factory here.
Some of the workers of the company who were told about the factory closure yesterday have contacted Fijivillage and have told us that the company executives have informed them that Fiji Water will wait for the next few days on the government’s reaction before making further decisions.
The 400 plus Fiji Water workers will be paid until next week however any further wages and salaries will be based on the company’s final decision.
Fijivillage has sent questions to Fiji Water’s headquarters in Los Angeles on its future plans in relation to the Fiji Water brand based on the statement by the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama that the Water Resource Tax will remain in place.
The issue also arises in relation to the Fiji Water brand which is owned by the US company and whether it will continue producing under the brand even if the natural water is not from Fiji.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
PM awaits Fiji Water response within next few hours
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