As Christmas week approaches, interior farmers experience a surge in trade, but vendors like 42-year-old Nai Vuniwaiwai are facing significant challenges at the Lautoka minibus stand. When Ms. Vuniwaiwai and her fellow vendors arrived in Lautoka early Monday morning after a long journey from Naveiveiwali in Tailevu, they were greeted with disappointing conditions, including a lack of basic infrastructure and inadequate shelter from the inclement weather.
“We arrived in Lautoka on Monday, and we timed the bad weather; there was nothing organized for us, not even a makeshift shelter,” Ms. Vuniwaiwai explained. Instead of finding proper accommodations, the group had to improvise, sharing limited space with other vendors under harsh conditions. They were unable to secure spots at the primary market, which they were told was reserved for established vendors, leaving them to hawk their goods primarily at the minibus stand.
The vendors, who offer a diverse array of fresh produce such as melons, dalo, rourou, kumala, cassava, and chillies, faced further challenges by having to sleep outdoors to protect their merchandise. “We know that we could have taken shelter at the mall, but we were worried about our produce, so we ended up sleeping beside our bags and produce,” Ms. Vuniwaiwai noted.
Despite these hardships, the demand for fresh produce in Lautoka motivates these farmers to make the long trek. Ms. Vuniwaiwai highlighted the importance of their presence in the market, stating, “We get a lot of good business selling here, that’s why we’ve travelled from Tailevu to be here.” She and her fellow vendors are hopeful that local authorities will take steps to better accommodate them, especially as they arrive during the festive season. “Even though we come once a year to Lautoka, the council should at least sort something out about our accommodation because they need to understand that we usually arrive around this time during the festive season,” she added.
This situation underscores the resilience of the vendors and their commitment to bringing fresh produce to market, even in the face of logistical challenges. By addressing their needs for better infrastructure and accommodation, local authorities can help support these hardworking farmers and ensure their contributions to the community are recognized and valued.
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