Don’t Block Loading Zones, Kumar Tells Vendors
MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT HEARS FROM OFFICIALS, RATEPAYERS AND VENDORS IN LABASA AND SAVUSAVU.
Market vendors in Labasa blocking the marked loading and offloading zones have been told to use the vacant space made available to them at the other end of the market.
The Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar, in wrapping up her visit in the Northern Division, told Fiji Sun she saw first-hand how such actions by the Labasa Market vendors had compromised their own safety and those using the road.
Currently, this marked zone is being blocked by vendors selling along the footpath, which has become more of an obstruction.
In raising her concerns, Ms Kumar said: “While we have a vacant market at the back from Monday to Thursday these vendors can occupy that space instead of blocking the loading and offloading zone, plus the street.
“There are certain rules to be followed otherwise anyone can put their structure and start selling.
“This visit was more of a familiarisation one and during this time we were able to meet various stakeholders, including the market vendors. I was able to have discussion with them and hear their grievousness. “And also make them understand that the council will provide loading and off-loading zones.”
The minister also made a courtesy call at the Savusavu Town Council office and met ratepayers and the business community.
“I simply wanted to see how they see Savusavu, how they want to see it in next 10 years, hear some of the concerns they had about Savusavu and how we can collectively improve service delivery of Savusavu Town Council,” she said.
“I had informed them about the ease of business and some of reforms in the ministry of local Government and why it is needed. It was more about information sharing in Savusavu.”
During the meeting she heard from faithful ratepayers how disappointed they were about non-paying ratepayers. There was also a request made for quality water and a proper garbage dump site.
“The good news is the Department of Environment, together with the Ministry of Local Government, are looking at different sites and they actually have identified one,” the minister said.
“Now it’s just the question of negotiation with landowners and carrying out the rest of the work after this.”
Meanwhile, both municipalities, she confirmed, were spared by Tropical Cyclone Mona. Ms Kumar is also the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Housing and Community Development.