Fish Vendors Find Recovery From Cyclone Difficult
Mr Rakoso who has been vendor for eight years said this was the first time he had experienced this type of flooding.
Sunday 14 February 2021 | 10:43
Labasa Fish Market vendors president Sakuisa Rakoso at the market on February 13, 2021. Photo: Laisa Lui
Much of Labasa was affected by Cyclone Ana and the Labasa Fish Market was no exception.
Labasa Fish Market vendors president Sakuisa Rakoso said almost all deep fridges were damaged. A few were washed away.
“No one was really prepared,” he said.
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Mr Rakoso who has been vendor for eight years said this was the first time he had experienced this type of flooding.
“After four days of cyclone I returned to my stall. Sales are not going well,” he said.
Another vendor Deo Sharan who has been selling fish for 10 years, said it would now be very difficult for them to get back on track .
“I am the only breadwinner in the family, it is hard now to put food on the table,” he said
“In the past four days I have earned only $50.”
The 60-year-old said the combined impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Cyclones Yasa and Ana have hit his business hard.
However, vendor Mereoni Maramawale is optimistic. She said once businesses return to normal in Labasa, difficulties would ease.
“Everyone is affected by the recent cyclone,” she said.
“I am happy that my family is supporting me during these hard times.
“I have lost three deep fridges, with God’s grace everything will be fine,” she said.
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