The Labasa Fish Market is currently undergoing essential maintenance aimed at enhancing the facility’s standards. This decision comes following significant concerns raised by fish vendors about the facility, particularly regarding drainage issues and leaks in the roof, which have made working conditions difficult, especially for women vendors who often bear the brunt of the cold and wet environment while selling their products.
Fish Vendor Association President Penito Raiyawa has expressed gratitude toward the Labasa Town Council for finally addressing these long-standing issues. He remarked, “We have been raising these concerns to the council for a very long time,” emphasizing the importance of improving drainage systems and fixing the rooftop leaks.
Samuela Ligairi, CEO of Labasa Town Council, has confirmed that the repair works are a direct response to vendor complaints and are part of the council’s broader commitment to improving service delivery at the market. He stated, “The repairs currently going on are because of the complaints received from fish vendors. They are providing the services, but the facility is not up to that standard, so we are working on improving that facility and service delivery.”
This market, which features 54 tables primarily occupied by women vendors, sees heavy foot traffic, particularly on Saturdays, when rural and outer island vendors travel to sell seafood and local delicacies. Despite facing challenges due to infrastructure inadequacies, the ongoing maintenance work offers hope for better working conditions in the future.
The current actions taken by the Labasa Town Council underline their responsiveness to vendor difficulties, marking a positive step towards creating a safer and more accommodating environment for all market participants. This evolution in the market’s infrastructure not only enhances the vendors’ daily operations but bolsters community engagement and economic activity in the region.
Leave a comment