Vendors at the Tavua Market are not making sales because of the increase in temporary vendors.

Market vendor, Anish Prasad, said the temporary vendors continued to sit near the entrance of the market to sell their fruits and vegetables.

Mr Prasad, who has been selling his produce for more than seven years, claimed that despite warnings from relevant authorities, there are now about 50 temporary vendors compared to 20 previously.

Mr Prasad said because of this, the permanent vendors were not making much profit because customers chose to purchase their items from the temporary vendors rather than walk into the main market.

“They come to the market six days a week and they choose to sit on the footpath, near the entrance because there is no spot for them and because of that we are losing out,” he said.

“I used to make at least $1500 sales of vegetables every week, but now I am only making 50 per cent of that.”

Tavua Market Vendors Association president, Abdul Azim said the issue had been reported to relevant authorities.

Mr Azim said he hoped the issue could be resolved. Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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