Dee Cee’s Bus Services director Dewan Chand said the interim government stepped in last year to help the industry and needs to do so again.
“There is a bus company which closed operations in Baulevu just two weeks ago. The company had five buses. The road conditions, fuel prices and prices of spare parts have led to this. The government has to step in and provide some more subsidies to help the industry,” said Chand.
His company employs more than 200 employees.
He said the last thing he wants to do is lay off workers during tough times.
Chand said he met with the Fiji Development Bank in the hope of securing an assistance package for the industry comprising soft loans at a more favorable rate.
“There is another problem the bus industry is facing, which is the immigration of skilled workers. In recent months, experienced drivers and heavy diesel mechanics have gone overseas. It is funny because the industry gives some money to the Training and Productivity Authority and once the drivers and mechanics get their qualifications they go overseas.”
According to Chand, a proposal for subsidies had been sent to the government.
