9 Jun 2011

Fiji pensioners call for phased changes to Provident Fund

8:52 am on 9 June 2011

The Fiji Pensioners' Association says older pensioners will suffer if their pensions from the National Provident Fund are cut.

The Fiji National Provident Fund's proposing wide-ranging changes to the superannuation scheme, including reducing pension returns from 15 percent to nine percent.

The FNPF says changes are needed to ensure the sustainability of the fund which was written down last year by 178 million US dollars due to failed investments.

The Association's President, Hari Naicker, says there should be a phased reduction with nothing less than 15 percent for those who joined the fund earliest.

"Many have made their plans according to what they were receiving, like buying a house, their children's education or investment in small business. Now they'll be facing great difficulties to make ends meet should this proposal go on."

Mr Naicker says the FNPF should better consult pensioners so they can have a say in future investments.