A vendor from Labasa Market, Amrika Prasad, has called on the government to consider lowering the weekly stall fee from $15 to $10 to alleviate the financial strain on market vendors. Prasad, who has been selling at the market for several years, expressed that the current fee is burdensome, particularly when combined with other costs such as health license renewals.
“Business has been slow, and many days are not profitable,” Prasad lamented, highlighting that vendors are struggling to meet their daily needs under the current economic conditions. Alongside the fee reduction request, he stressed the importance of addressing safety concerns, specifically mentioning that the uneven floor surface has led to numerous injuries within the market.
Prasad further pointed out critical sanitation issues, including a drainage outlet that is covered with a ply board and emits unpleasant odors, creating an unhealthy environment for both vendors and customers. He noted that the interior of the market has not been painted in over a decade, contributing to its deteriorating condition.
In response, Paul Jaduram, the special administrator chairperson of the Labasa Town Council, acknowledged the pressing need for market maintenance and assured vendors that work to level the floor surface would begin after the completion of renovations at the nearby fish market. Jaduram called for patience among the vendors as improvements are in the pipeline.
These ongoing conversations around vendor conditions reflect a broader commitment to improving local markets, as seen in recent efforts to upgrade the Labasa Fish Market. The proactive measures taken by local authorities may foster a safer and more pleasant marketplace for vendors and customers alike, ultimately uplifting the community and encouraging greater economic activity.
The discussion around reduced fees and infrastructure improvements offers a glimmer of hope, as stakeholders recognize the importance of creating an accommodating environment for all vendors. This strategic focus on enhancing conditions also paves the way for sustained economic growth in the region, potentially leading to a more equitable marketplace where all vendors can thrive.
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