“The days of allowing our women to sometimes sleep on the footpath beside their market stalls in Sigatoka, has now come to an end.”
That was highlighted by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while opening the Sigatoka Market Vendors Accommodation block today.
Bainimarama said the government is providing a home away from home for the women who leave their families behind in outlying areas to make their way to town to sell their produce.
He said the women have been vulnerable to thieves and to the weather, and just as bad for their families, they have left behind loved ones who worry whether their mother, sister or daughter is safe.
He said the women can sleep, have access to shower and toilet facilities for the first time.
The government has spent $400,000 on this project to provide 30 beds, a kitchen area, a washing area, toilets and showers.
A canteen and a training room next to the accommodation to train the vendors are expected to be constructed.
Meanwhile a market vendor, Litiana Vidovi of Sigatoka said the women will not worry about their transport back to the village.
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