No Market Stall Fees Till June 30

The Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar has announced further assistance for Municipal Market stall holders amid the COVID-19 restrictions.

Ms Kumar said that from today until June 30, Municipal Market stall holders will not pay stall fees for their first two stalls.

“If a person has more than two stalls, he or she will receive a stall fee waiver for the first two stalls and then pay the appropriate fee for each subsequent stall,” she said.

“If they have more than two stalls, but cannot pay the fees for the rest of the stalls, we encourage them to surrender the stalls to reduce the operating costs.”

The Minister also said that other vendors would be able to apply for these stalls. This will allow more Fijians to have the opportunity to sell their produce and make an income from municipal markets across Fiji.

The Minister stated that in any one week, there are more than 5000 stalls operated in Municipal Markets across Fiji and this waiver would make a positive impact to the lives of many Fijians and their families.

“The Ministry of Local Government will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on Municipal Market operations.

“It has already ensured the safety of all citizens by taking necessary steps to change market practice during this time,” she said.

Ms Kumar also added that it is imperative that market stall holders and customers observe physical distancing while queueing and shopping. Stalls are spaced further apart; public awareness announcements are regularly made over sound systems; marked lines on the ground spread customers and constant monitoring is ensuring overcrowding does not occur.

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