Before the second wave of COVID-19 hit Fiji, Angila Prasad used to sell between 60 and 70 slices of pineapples and watermelons a day.
When authorities enforced strict containment measures, she was forced to stop. For the past three weeks, the Namaka market vendor said she had been struggling to make a living.
“Vendors like me who sell sliced fruits and those who used to sell chopped vegetables such as bitter gourd, okra, jackfruit are no longer allowed to sell in that manner,” Ms Prasad said.
“Many working people prefer buying chopped vegetables as it saves them time.”
She urged authorities to consider finding a safer way for them to continue with their business.
Aruna Devi, a vegetable seller, said poor supply was affecting their business.
“Business is very bad because not many people are coming to the market these days and we are no longer getting a variety of vegetables from the suppliers as well,” she said.
Ms Devi said some vendors were no longer trading because it was not worth it.
“I come to the market on a daily basis because I have no other option, if I stay at home, my family’s livelihood will be badly affected.”
