Some businesses in Sigatoka that were not able to afford rent have closed down - Naidu

The Nadroga/Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry says although some businesses have reduced their rent by upto 25% to 50%, some businesses such as hair salons and shops that sell essential baby items have been closed down as they cannot afford to pay the rent.

President Doctor Ashank Naidu says while trying to adapt to the new COVID climate, some businesses have changed their activities to something else in order to generate income.

Doctor Naidu says some businesses have changed their activity from a grocery store to bakery, hair salon to a butcher shop and furniture shop to selling liquor.

He says more than 90% of the people working in the hotel industry have lost their jobs.

He says only the management staff of the hotel are employed to conduct care-taking roles but majority of the staff have been laid off.