Easy access to food supply
Store serves district
MORE than eight villages in the Naqalimare District in the upper region of Navosa now have access to roundthe-clock service following the opening of a new shop in the village of Sautabu.
With an investment of more than $25,000, shop owner Rohit Chand said the 24/7 service would allow shoppers to access food items at any time of the day.
“My shop is I think the only 24/7 shop for the next four villages so that is something that we aim to continue and will provide the villagers with food supplies that they would need at night such as biscuit or grog,” Mr Chand said.
Mr Chand said the shop would also be open to women market vendors who would be able to sleep in comfort after arriving from selling their produce in Lautoka and Suva market.
“There are plenty of market vendors that arrive late at night back from the markets and by the time they reach here it is about midnight or 1am.
“Some of these women I would often see them sleeping at night under the tree waiting for the morning so they could cross the river back to their own villages.
“My shop will be open so they can sleep inside and have tea in the morning then cross the river back home.”
Mr Chand is also the owner of Nabuavatu Shopping Center which is an extension of his home that he runs with the help of his family.
Chief guest Taniela Qereqeremaitoga Naocotabua from Sautabu Village lauded the opening of the new shop and said the village would fully utilise the services by Mr Chand and his family.
“What he has done for our community and opening of his second shop is something we are very proud,” he said.
The new Navatu Kava Bar will cater to over eight villages in Navosa including Koronisagana, Sautabu, Naveyago, Rarabasaga and four villages across the Sigatoka River Vunaqoru, Koroua, Natawatawadi and Toga.