CAPTION: Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Premila Kumar stresses a point. Photo: FILE.
Consumers are warned to beware of a particular Solar Power/ Alternative Energy Dealer who is likely targeting expatriate and local business people in rural areas. This solar power dealer, Mr Neal Nitya Singh, operates under the name of Power One Tech Ltd which is trading as Wateredge Investment Limited.
The Council has received several complaints whereby Mr. Neal Singh obtained substantial amounts of money from customers without commencing any of the works that he had quoted for. Another complaint was regarding the faulty installation of an alternative energy power system.
The Council has contacted Mr. Neal Singh on several occasions through written letters, emails and phone calls but has not received any firm responses. Mr. Singh had several mobile phone numbers and would deliberately avoid our calls and occasionally switch mobile phone numbers.
Two of the complaints received last year were from the Coral Coast, Sigatoka area and one just recently received this year was from Labasa. Our investigations have revealed that Mr. Neal Singh is now operating his business in the Northern Division around the Labasa / Savusavu/ Taveuni areas.
We urge consumers especially in these parts to be aware and to tread with caution when dealing with this particular trader.
The Council has sought the assistance of the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Commerce Commission in resolving this complaint as the exact whereabouts of Mr. Neal Singh is unknown.
The Council believes that he targets expatriates and local business people as he knows his scheme will prove beneficial to especially those who lived in areas isolated from urban centres and are facing difficulty with electricity supply or may know the benefits of switching to alternative power – hence utilising the services of Mr. Neal Singh.
Consumers are urged to take precaution and not engage any such services from persons that are fraudulent and are urged to contact Consumer Council should they have any complaints against Mr Neal Singh trading as Power One Technologies.
PREMILA KUMAR
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER