Business operators at the Nabouwalu jetty in Bua are now facing many challenges.

Nabowalu and Namou district advisory councillor Sujata Singh said market vendors, food parcel sellers, shops and restaurants are not able to generate income because many of their customers who are ferry passengers for Patterson Brothers Shipping Company Limited now do not have time to shop around.

“With the new road, the bus from Labasa arrives around 11am and it goes straight into the ferry so the passengers are not given any chance to get off and do a bit of shopping,” Mrs Singh said.

“We hope the shipping company can at least consider our plight and allow their passengers to spend time in Nabouwalu. That at least will boost business growth in the area.

“ We all need to work together and make the most of Government’s assistance and initiative.”

When contacted, PBSCL director George Patterson was out of the country while Trevor Patterson was not available to make a comment.