All-weather market gives market vendors a safer surrounding when selling produce

We now have an all-weather market that will give market vendors a safer surrounding when selling our produce.

These were the sentiment shared by Lautoka Market Vendors Association President Semesa Doidoi after the opening of new $150,000 Tavakubu Satellite Market in Lautoka.

Doidoi has commended the initiative adding that this can also help vendors keep their children safe while selling their produce.

He says that the new Satellite Market has given them a roof over their heads and a clean facility that protects them from the Western heat and the rain and storms that vendors have had to contend with in the past years.

Meanwhile vendor Lice Vakalala also shared that there was a large residential population to cater to and the new market would now allow them to sell their produce without worrying about rainy weather or extreme heat.

While officiating at the opening, Minister for Local Government, Parveen Bala says that this project includes facilities such as a shower and toilet and provides retailers a safer, hygienic and modern shelter after years of having to sell their produce on busy roadsides.

Bala also revealed that another satellite market is due to be built near the former FNPF building at VM Pillay Rd, Lautoka in the coming months and will additionally benefit the marketing needs for residents of Tavakubu, Waiyavi and Kashmir.