Minister Bala clarifies stall fees waiver

He said had a direct impact on the Western and Northern markets, where some of the town markets were under water.

Market fees for vendors in 13 municipal markets in the Western and Northern Divisions were waived due to the impact of the recent back-to-back tropical cyclones

Minister for Local Government Parveen Bala clarified the matter in Parliament on Wednesday where Government MP Jilila Kumar asked Mr Bala to inform the House on the waiver of Municipal Market Stall fees.

There are 13 municipal markets in Fiji with an estimated number of 7800 market vendors.

He said Tropical Cyclone Josie had a direct impact on the Western and Northern markets where some of the town markets’ infrastructure were under water with the vendors incurring personal damage while the supply of produce was limited.

He said due to the heavy damage sustained by vendors, the supply chain was affected. Mr Bala said, based on the assessment made and the urgent

Mr Bala said, based on the assessment made and the urgent need to aid recovery, immense support would be required to return markets to their normal operation.

need to aid recovery, immense support would be required to return markets to their normal operation.

He said it was for this reason the Ministry waived market stall fees to all market vendors operating in the Western and Northern markets.

Mr Bala confirmed that the waiver was already in place for their stalls which include the stalls of fish sellers. Mr Bala acknowledged the Nausori vendors for their support towards vendors in the Western Division affected by the two cyclones.

“It is to be noted that municipal markets operate differently from those normal businesses that operate in towns and cities.”