Vendors, Minister discuss market expansion plan
NAVUA market vendors, taxi operators and business owners had the opportunity to discuss some of the day-to-day challenges with the Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar in Navua last week.
Some of the grievances raised during the meeting included the request to improve the market facility, proper parking spaces for taxi operators and relocation of Navua bus stand.
Minister Kumar highlighted that there was great need for vendors in Navua to have a new market due to the great demand from farmers from the area and those travelling from Sigatoka, Beqa and Namosi.
“The current market is no longer sufficient and there is a need for more space. There are farmers coming from as far as Sigatoka especially on Saturday and Fridays too to use the current market.
“My personal observation is that some vendors are actually selling on the roadside. They have occupied the road in that situation. We need to be mindful of the fact that there are pedestrians using the roads and we need to clear the roads for pedestrian use.”
Minister Kumar adds other pending issues include the parking spaces for taxi operators, there have been queries from the operators requesting for space to be provided by the council.
“There are also private vehicles operating illegally as taxis and we have raised this issue with the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Minister Kumar stated that the main priority is to improve the current market space and the town’s bus stand.
“We need to draw-up a scheme plan that will identify land use and based on this plan we use the land for that particular purpose.”
Suva City Council chief executive officer Azam Khan has reassured the vendors at the meeting that the council will be working with the relevant authorities to ensure that all queries are addressed.