The lockdown of Suva has led to many vendors not coming to the Suva Municipal Market, said Suva and Lami special administrator chair Isikeli Tikoduadua.

He said this was the reason why some satellite markets in Suva were not being utilised.

In a bid to reduce the congestion at the Suva Market, four areas were chosen where vendors could set up. This was part of the plan to decentralise services from the market.

Extra stalls were made at Raiwaqa Market and Bailey Bridge, similarly new sites, My Suva Picnic Park and the UN Park were set up.

The two latter locations remain unutilised.

“We have found that after the lockdown was announced, the number of vendors decreased in the market,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“Even after we spaced out the vendors from their original setting, there were no extras.

“If you go to the market now, you will find lesser vendors and also fewer people coming to shop as well.”

Mr Tikoduadua has urged everyone to follow the directives given by the Government in the fight against COVID-19.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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