More than 300 vendors will benefit from the new $2.7million Levuka market when it is completed.

At present, the 310 vendors in the old capital are selling their produce under temporary tents provided by UNWomen as part of its Markets for Change program.

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the market project began in April last year.

He said because of delays in the release of funds and unfavourable weather conditions, the project that was near completion was scheduled to be commissioned in January next year.

He said $400,000 had already been paid for the project.