AFTER weeks of selling in temporary tents in the open air, vendors at Nasinu’s Laqere market (pictured), are counting down the days to the reopening of their newly-renovated space, a move they say has been long overdue.
“The market is leaking, that was the problem for us,” said vendor Rajeshni Devi.
Ms Devi and fellow vendor Varisila Vosalotaki have worked in defective infrastructure for years.
Ms Vosalotaki described how poor lighting had affected her ability to trade effectively.
“It was leaking, and we didn’t have enough light in the market,” Ms Vosalotaki said.
“My kiosk was always in the dark inside the market because there was no light for me. So, I guess that is why they are doing renovations now.”
In response to these and other issues raised by vendors, Nasinu Town Council executive chairman Felix Magnus said they took action on the problems earlier this month.
“The market vendors raised a lot of issues,” Mr Magnus told The Fiji Times yesterday.
“The market is expected to reopen on August 2, with an official launch at 8am by the Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa.”
Mr Magnus said the $74,000 renovation was aimed at improving the environment for both vendors and customers.
“The vendors should walk into a renovated or new-look market with proper facilities, the washrooms taken care of, proper wash areas for them, fans, lights, and the fish bay area that was part of the complaints raised,” he said.
“The market vendors are happy to be outside because their produce has been seen by the general public and there are a lot of people coming in.”
Mr Magnus said about 50 vendors operated at the market, with room to accommodate more.
He also confirmed vendors were notified two weeks before the closure, and council staff had been assisting them daily throughout the transition.
