PM Opens Laqere Market
Bainimarama also vows to end illegal market structure
The Laqere Market in Nasinu is now open for business. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama officially opened the $7.2 million market yesterday in a not so grand manner amidst the COVID-19 restrictions.
However, his message was clear. He wants an end to illegal market structures which have been built on road reserves, municipal properties and other people’s properties.
“These can be dangerous places to work. At times, vendors have had to sleep in their own stalls just to keep their goods and produce from being stolen,” Mr
Bainimarama said.
“They are often unsanitary and unsightly. They do not represent how anyone ought to be going about their business in a modern economy.
“Not to mention these stalls are scattered about, forcing customers to hop from stall to stall across Nasinu rather than do their buying in a single clean, consolidated location. This isn’t a new problem nor is it Nasinu’s alone, it is a decades-old issue that has plagued communities nationwide.”
Mr Bainimarama said that was the reason for the Government’s funding of new markets and mini-markets in the municipal areas.
He said as the Fijian economy modernises, so must marketplaces and the way Fijians do business.
“For the well-being of our vendors and their customers alike, we must shift away from the informal disorganised way of operating,” he said.
“This new market is the chance for these vendors to embrace the future of Fijian commerce by establishing a permanent presence in this brand-new marketplace.” It was confirmed by Nasinu Town Council that illegal structures that were for more than two decades known as the Laqere market area, are being taken down.
Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar said landscaping work would follow to beautify the area.
The new marketplace contains 459 vendor stalls, 12 kiosks and three mini-restaurants. It also comes with ample room to expand parking in the future.