Minister Kumar’s Visit to The North
Nabouwalu vendors are expected to move back into the market on Monday. This was confirmed by Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar.
The vendors are currently selling from a part of the market verandah while some are accomodated in tents.
The market roof and ablution block were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
Ms Kumar was at the North after the cyclone visiting affected areas including the municipal markets.
Early this week a team of special administrators inspected the Nabouwalu market. They found that parts of the roof were leaking.
“The roof is basically completed, except for a corner portion of the verandah which cannot be done until timber for the rafters is back in stock,” Ms Kumar said.
The contractors are also waiting for materials to fix the ablution block. It will be delivered soon. Otherwise, inclement weather has also slowed progress.
“If all goes well the market should open on Monday,” Ms Kumar said.
Labasa Market
Ms Kumar while visiting Labasa said drainage remains a priority for Labasa Town Council.
“In partnership with Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and National Fire Authority we are pleased to report that the drain near old MH building on Jaduram Street, no longer floods when it rains,” she said.
“We have identified the problem and will continue to work with FRA in ensuring that there’s no flooding in the area.”
She said the Council would continue to work on improving drains including engaging with The Fiji National University and possibly have some sort of plan drawn up of the town’s drainage system.
For Subrail Park, she said major repair works were underway prior to TC Yasa.
However, she confirmed that works were now at a standstill as electricity has yet to be restored to the area.
For Savusavu, Ms Kumar said a totally new market was going to be built with a modified design that would blend with the Savusavu Blue Town concept.
“We have appointed an architect and a lead engineer and they are working on the plans,” she said.
Meanwhile, Special Administrator of Labasa and Savusavu Town Council, Ami Kohli said Ms Kumar had a very fruitful work tour of both towns after TC Yasa.
“After looking at the damages left by TC Yasa and talking to the vendors, the Minister announced a waiver of stall fees for vegetable vendors for the month of January 2021, until a review is conducted to ascertain whether to continue with the relief,” Mr Kohli said.
She also visited Nabouwalu market and instructed the team of Special Administrators to fix the roof of the market as soon as possible.