Market vendor Luisa Reece has expressed her appreciation for the newly established Nakasi Market, highlighting it as a significant upgrade for vendors to sell their goods.
“We are incredibly thankful to the government for addressing our request to construct a market,” she stated.
Reece shared that vendors previously had to endure harsh weather conditions, struggling to make sales rain or shine. Now, she feels relieved that everyone can operate under one roof.
“In the past, most customers would just drive through, which made it difficult for us to serve them,” she explained. “Now, inside the new market, we can sit back and relax while waiting for customers.”
According to Reece, the new location is beneficial for both vendors and shoppers, as customers can park their vehicles and leisurely browse for vegetables and root crops.
“On the main road, everyone is always in a hurry to make purchases, leaving little time for customers to truly inspect the produce,” she noted.
Reece reflected on how the town council used to remove vendors from their temporary setups next to the main road.
“The new Nakasi market brings many improvements that will support us,” she added.
Originally from Nayavutoka village in Ra, she mentioned that the new site is closer to both Korovou Town and Suva than Rakiraki Town.
To reach Rakiraki from Nayavutoka, vendors must take two buses. In contrast, it’s just one bus ride to Suva, which is why they choose to sell their produce in this area.
“If I don’t sell all my goods, I’ll leave the remainder with the other vendors to sell on my behalf,” she explained.
Reece also highlighted the advantage of keeping their produce securely stored within the new market.
“There’s no more hassle transporting products in and out every day. I sell lemons, pawpaws, pumpkins, and cassava from the village,” she added.
Typically, she collaborates with her daughter to manage the sales. Additionally, Reece is related to All Blacks rugby player Sevu Reece, as she is a cousin of Sevu’s father.