Our Fijian Constitution enshrines unprecedented protections for Fijians living with disabilities, assuring them reasonable access to all places and the reasonable adaptation of buildings and infrastructure; that unquestionably includes Fijian markets as well.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said this while officiating at the opening of the $7.2m Nasinu-Laqere market today.
He said many of the informal roadside vendors within municipal boundaries are operating on road reserves or other municipal properties, or even the property of private individuals.
“By operating in an illegal manner, they are left without predictability or stability,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“We’ve made this investment for their sake, and the sake of both their physical and financial security,” he said.
“For the well-being of our vendors and their customers alike, we must shift away from the informal disorganised way of operating.
“This new Market is the chance for these vendors to embrace the future of Fijian commerce by establishing a permanent presence in this brand-new marketplace. I thank those vendors who have already taken the initiative to do so all others must follow their lead.”
The new marketplace contains 459 vendor stalls, 12 kiosks and three mini-restaurants.