New hope for Lautoka women market vendors

AROUND 25 women market vendors in Lautoka will no longer be at a risk of being exposed to severe weather conditions and operating amidst busy traffic after the opening of the newly established Namoli Green Night Market.

The opening of the market marks a significant milestone in the journey of resilience and determination for women vendors who have long endured difficult odds to sell their products.

As shared by Tamarica Waibebenisala, a food parcel seller, that over the years they have braved and adverse conditions, selling their goods along pavements and outside shops, facing challenges ranging from exposure to the elements to safety risks in high-traffic areas.

“Every day before 1pm all my food packs are sold. My customers are mostly government workers.”

Ms Waibebenisala shared that she sells fish in coconut milk with other sea food in food packs and the new market will be a safe place for her to operate from.

“This new market looks attractive and of standard. I know for sure that I will gain more sales here with more customers. This business has been our bread and butter for years for my family.”

“It has mets our daily needs as well as supports the education of my children who are now all married and some live in overseas.”

Ms Waibebenisala also thanked the Lautoka City Council for giving the opportunity to utilise her skills in market.

Sharing the same sentiments was another market vendor, Mereseini Tuibau who shared how she started her business in 2013 and now has a permanent place to operate from.

“It has been more than 10 years of running this business. Prior to the establishment of this market, we were selling our products at the walkways, which was unlawful, from then on, the president of our association made an effort to ensure that we got a proper place to sell our products.”

“We are very happy with this new market because it’s clean, it’s big and convenient for us and our customers.”

The Namoli Green Food Market is a project under the Lautoka City Council and the revenue generated through the stall fees will go towards achieving the return on investment for this venture.

The market also serves as a hub for local commerce, offering 64 stalls, seven cart spaces, three washing stations and seating facilities.

PHOTO: DIPESH KUMAR Market vendor, Tamarica Waibebenisala, commends the opening of the Namoli Green Light Market in Lautoka.

Photo: DIPESH KUMAR Minister For Housing & Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, with women market vendors at the newly-opened Namoli Green Light Market in Lautoka.