Advanced Shop in Vunisea, Kadavu became the first business outside the two main islands to accept cashless payment through Vodafone’s M-PAiSA.
Business owner Viliame Naqelevuki said this was a much-needed service.
“People in the islands always have difficulty paying for goods and services.
“One main reason being is there is only one place available, the Post Office.
“There are always long lines or the system is down or some sort of challenge faced by the locals and staff of the Post Office.”
Mr Naqelevuki said this would help address that issue as well as help the economy get rid of black money apart from its convenience to the people.
“You can pay for groceries and our services from home and we can deliver to the comfort of your home.”
He added there were times on the island that there was no money available on the island when people lined up to receive money.
“Many people in Kadavu receive money from family members overseas or on the mainland through M-PAiSA.
“These people do not have to take money out to buy anything from my shop.
“They can simply make cashless payments. I am very proud to be in partnership with Vodafone and it helps me improve the quality of service I hope to deliver.”
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) regional leader Bram Peter said they funded the initiative solely to address the challenges these villages were facing.
“We believe that M-PAiSA is an important part of digital finance infrastructure.
“For that reason, we supported Vodafone Fiji with the grant funding for this development.
“We wanted to specifically address the challenges faces by many Fijians in the rural areas who do not have access to basic financial services.”
Head of Vodafone eCommerce and Corporate Affairs Shailendra Prasad said they were confident MPAiSA would be the preferred means of remittance services.
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