The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority said the actions of the five water bottling companies to shut down operations until further notice and to initiate legal action is uncalled for.
Speaking to Fijivillage News this evening, Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority CEO Jitoko Tikolevu said they were still negotiating with the water bottling companies on the matter and were not expecting a move like this.
Hundreds of people employed in the water bottling industry have been sent home this afternoon as five of the larger water bottling companies have shut down all operations until further notice.
Fiji Water Director External Affairs David Roth confirmed to Fijivillage that over 450 workers have been sent home today and this action has been taken because they have now reached a critical juncture where they can no longer effectively operate their business.
Fiji Water, Aqua Pacific, Island Chill, Viti Blue, PLeass Beverages, and FMF VTY have today filed a lawsuit against Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority seeking an order that the new taxes impposed by FIRCA on its bottled water is unlawful and a stay of the imposition of the tax pending a final hearing.
Flour Mills of Fiji Chairman Hari Punja confirms that their water bottling plant operations for FMF VTY have also been shut down until further notice due to the imposition of the new duty.
Aqua Pacific's Managing Director, Mohammed Altaf also confirms has stopped all production and export until further notice and have sent home 30 workers already with more expected to be sent home later this month.
Island Chill Director Jay Dayal confirms that their operations have also ceased until further notice.
Speaking on-behalf of the 450 workers of Fiji Water, Praveen Kumar said they are lost and do not know how their families will survive. Kumar said they have not been told when they will return to work and are pleading to the interim government to urgently resolve the matter.
Finance Ministry has placed 20 cents per litre export duty and 20 cents per litre excise duty on all bottled water.
Interim Finance Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry is yet to comment.
Water Bottling Companies Actions Uncalled For-FIRCA
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p