The Nadi Market currently has fewer vendors because some are not willing to get vaccinated. This was what Nadi Vendors’ president, Lia Lawanimate said after welcoming the removal of market stall fees.

“For so long the vendors have been requesting if the Government could assist us, especially with the market fees. Finally our prayers have been answered at the right time,” she said.

The announcement for the removal of stall fees was made by the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during his national budget address. From Monday till 31 July 2022, Government will be paying the market stall fees on behalf of the vendors.

Meanwhile, Nadi Town Council acting chief executive officer, Muni Reddy said their payments from Government depend on the weekly invoice they send to them.

“We will send the invoice to Government and it will depend on how many people are coming in to use the stalls. As they come in and use it, we will send the weekly invoice to the Government and then they will pay us.”

He said there were about 400 vendors in the Nadi and Namaka market who would benefit from the free stall fees.

Nadi Town Council CEO clears air on market entry

A number of customers raised complaints on social media after being refused entry into the market because they were not vaccinated or didn’t have vaccination cards.

Mr Reddy, said there was also confusion among security guards at the entry points about the vaccination cards.

“Only vendors are required to present their ID and their vaccination cards in order for them to sell in the market, not customers,” he said.

Mr Reddy said security had mistakenly been prohibiting entry to people who did not have vaccination cards. He said the council staff cleared the air with vendors and the guards on Monday.

“All customers are allowed inside and they need to ensure that they use the careFIJI app and if they don’t have the app, they need to write down their details and follow other COVID-protocols,” he added.