Some landlords have targeted the poor, desperate to make a living, by building illegal stalls and renting them out, it has been revealed.

Minister for Local Government, Trade, Tourism, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar who disclosed the scam, said the perpetrators would be dealt with.

“I will not have any of this,” she said.

The discovery was made during investigations.

The cases of Illegal vendors and improper stalls were issues municipalities were trying to tackle.

She said the illegal stalls were constructed by the so-called owners who rented them out.

Ms Kumar said this was a common practice.

“There are some vendors who have definitely constructed the stalls, but in other cases, the owners have rented them out to the vendors at a high cost. And this is illegal.”

At a place in Nasinu, some vendors sell fish at the stall for a person, who actually owns the stall and allegedly lives just behind the stall.

The stalls are on the road reserve outside the owner’s compound.

Ms Kumar said they had also found that some vendors were living in these stalls.

“It is a hygiene and safety issue. There is no toilet facility there, there are no taps, and they are selling fruits and vegetables,” she said.

She said the law would be enforced and those breaking it would be held accountable.

“All this has to stop. We will definitely be enforcing the law. That’s why the law is there,” she said.

“In the last National Budget, the Ministry of Local Government received $20,000 just to enforce the law.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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