Levuka Market Vendors Await Answers amid Construction Delays
“It’s quite challenging for us here as we must consider the weather. When it rains, we seek shelter along the shop corridors opposite us while our produce remain exposed,” Ms Biaukula said.
Thursday 27 June 2024 | 01:28
Seini Biaukula of Moturiki at the temporary Levuka Market along Beach Street. Photo: Kelera Tuisawau
When will the new Levuka Market open?
This urgent plea to the Government comes from market vendors like Seini Biaukula of Moturiki Village in the Lomaiviti Group.
The Old Capital bustles, especially on Saturday mornings, with women travelling as far as Moturiki by boat to sell their fresh produce in Levuka town.
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However, these women endure heat and rain in the open area near the town’s seawall, hoping to earn enough for their families.
“The market has been under construction for almost two years now. There have been no updates given to us. I am part of the committee here, and they have promised twice that it will open, but nothing has been done,” Ms Biaukula said.
“I appeal to the Government to expedite the completion of the new Levuka Market because it will greatly help us in terms of having proper facilities and restrooms.”
Last November, Minister for Local Government Maciu Katamotu stated in Parliament that construction delays were due to funding delays and adverse weather conditions.
Mr Katamotu said the Government allocated $2.7 million, with an additional $400,000 from UNWomen. The 2023-2024 Budget Estimate earmarked $1,343,487 for completing the Levuka Market.
The temporary makeshift roadside market provides shelter for a few, while others sit out in the open.
“It’s quite challenging for us here as we must consider the weather. When it rains, we seek shelter along the shop corridors opposite us while our produce remain exposed,” Ms Biaukula said.
“You must understand that much of the produce from Moturiki are seafood. If they gets wet, they quickly lose freshness and wilt,” she added.
“If that happens, people won’t buy, and that’s a significant loss for us.
“None of us from Moturiki are middlemen. We are all farmers, fishermen, and fisherwomen. All the produce comes directly from the sea or farms to our market tables.”
The town council had provided tables for roadside stalls but removed them when construction on the new market began. The new market is expected to accommodate 300 stalls and serves vendors from Ovalau, Moturiki, Batiki, and Nairai.
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