Approximately 50 women selling food at Natovi Jetty are seeking government assistance to enhance their working environment as the number of passengers continues to increase. Veteran vendor Madelene Yalimai, 62, highlighted that the jetty has become an essential stop for travelers from Lomaiviti and Vanua Levu, particularly during the festive season, with many passengers stopping to purchase meals and necessities.
“This Christmas season has been very good for us,” Ms. Yalimai noted, adding that many travelers stop by for food. Having sold at the jetty since the age of 15, she recently established the first BBQ stall at Natovi, reflecting the growing number of food vendors in the area. She emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, given the rise in both sellers and customers.
While these vendors currently sell from makeshift stalls, offering items like roti parcels, fish meals, BBQ, fruits, and snacks, Ms. Yalimai expressed that proper food stalls would significantly enhance hygiene and safety while enabling women to secure a stable income to support their families.
“For many of us, this is how we survive and pay for our children’s education,” she shared. Ms. Yalimai hopes that authorities will recognize the critical role these vendors play in supporting travelers and local economies, enabling them to continue their work with dignity. “This place feeds many families,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of their presence at the jetty.
The call for improved conditions at Natovi Jetty underscores the vital contributions of local vendors to the community, especially during peak travel periods. With appropriate support, these women could further bolster their livelihoods and positively impact the local economy.
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