Vendors at the Suva Municipal Market are increasingly getting frustrated with recurring drainage problems they claim have gone unresolved despite repeated complaints.
Fulori Toga, a vendor in the Vale ni Kana (ready meals kiosks), said they have raised the issue with the market master several times but are yet to see any meaningful improvement.
Ms Toga said blockages have become a regular inconvenience, disrupting daily operations and creating hygiene concerns.
However, Suva City Council (SCC) chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said the council has not received any formal complaint regarding the matter. He acknowledged that drainage issues are recurring but stressed that the system itself is old and prone to blockages.
Mr Boseiwaqa said the underground drainage in the Vale ni Kana and fish market areas tend to get blocked every two weeks.
“The underground drainage is damaged, so now and again that whole outlet gets blocked,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.
He confirmed the section is currently blocked and that SCC is awaiting a contractor to carry out flushing works.
The CEO said vendors have previously been advised not to clean fish directly in certain areas, as waste contribute to clogging.
“These vendors have gone through hygiene training. All vendors underwent food safety training last year. But some traditional practices continue, and we are trying to transition them to better methods.”
While the council concedes that improvements are needed, Mr Boseiwaqa stressed that cleanliness is also a shared responsibility.
He said issues are normally raised with the market manager or through the Market Vendors Association.
