The 2023-2024 National Budget should include provisions for the renovation of the Suva Municipal Market.
This was one of the issues raised by the Suva Market vendors in the lead-up to the announcement of the budget.
Suva United Market Vendors Association general secretary Krishan Kumar claimed the market has not been renovated since it was built and with the recent heavy rain, leaking roof and blocked drains disrupted businesses.
“We have been pleading with past governments and the Suva City Council to renovate this market,” Mr Kumar said.
“The roofs are rusted and there are holes everywhere, that’s why it will leak whenever there’s rain. It gets slippery and that’s a hazard, not only for the vendors but also for customers.
“These drains are as old as this market, and over the years they’ve become home for rats and cockroaches and an issue that needed immediate attention,” he said.
Mr Kumar said despite efforts by the vendors to keep the drains clean, it remained a breeding ground for pests.
“These pests are not afraid of human beings, they run around the market — like it’s theirs.
“They eat and spoil our produce and often eat our meals. We’ve tried our best to get rid of them but it’s almost impossible.”
Mr Kumar, who has been the association’s general secretary for more than 20 years, claimed there had been no improvements to the market during his tenure. He also pleaded for the provision of a larger car park to cater to the influx of customers during the weekends.
“Most people just divert to the supermarket or the smaller market because this market doesn’t have enough parking space.
“We hope that with the plans to improve this market, the Government will consider providing more parking space for customers.”