Vendors laud extension of stall fees exemption
Market vendors in Suva have welcomed another year of not paying stall fees.
They were relieved to have learned of the continuous support by the Government during the announcement of the 20222023 National Budget last month, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic ordeal.
Merelita Vatulawa, who travels from Nawaisomo Village, Naitasiri Province to sell her produce, said the assistance would allow her to reducing daily expenses.
“I pay around $17 one way to get to the Suva City and that is separate from our cargo and that is more expensive. Sometimes we earn good and sometimes not so good,” she said.
“Because I have a lot of expenses, I usually spend the night here in Suva at the accommodation. It costs $2 to sleep there. I pay $3.50 a day and this help by the Government is what we really need right now.”
As for Suresh Narayan, a kava businessman who has an outlet at the market, the exemption saves himself $69.30 a week.
“I have been here for 20 years now and this was great news when we heard of it. We only wish it continues until we get out of this crisis,” he said.
“It is this kind of help that ensures our survival in this work.”
One of the longest-serving vendors, Seremasi Baravi, was in awe having not to pay about $6 a day for his table for the next financial year.
“It is really good because it saves some money for our family, at least we can afford some more food than before,” he said.
“We do not have a fixed income daily, what we earn really depends on how much people buy from us.”
The exemption was a measure to help ease the burden off market vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic.