Minister calls for equality within Tavua Market
The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar has called on market vendors at the Tavua Municipal Market to treat each other with respect.
This follows concerns received by the minister that some vendors were treated with discrimination within the market premises.
“We will not tolerate any discrimination within the market premises. Any issues brought forward that is within the bylaws will be addressed accordingly and any person using the market stall must adhere to these bylaws,” she said.
“There should not be any discrimination between vendors or farmers. Everyone selling in the market are equal and should not be treating anyone differently.
Ms Kumar revealed the Government’s plans to develop a new market in Tavua so it would be able to accommodate everyone.
“We are not going to discriminate a vendor from a farmer; that is not allowed. And when we are going to develop a new market then we will have space for everyone whether you’re a vendor or a farmer you will have space.”
The minister highlighted that the ministry has faced many issues with regard to the running of the municipal markets around the country. However a new market regulation will be drawn up soon in order to address the issues faced. Ms Kumar also stressed that market spaces are given out on lease after lodging an application through the council and called on those who already owned spaces to avoid subletting or giving out their space to any other person as it is owned by the council.