Market vendor Luisa Reece has praised the newly built Nakasi Market, deeming it a significant upgrade for sellers looking to sell their goods.
“We are truly thankful to the government for addressing our requests to establish a market,” Ms. Reece expressed. She recounted the struggles vendors faced at the previous location where they had to endure harsh weather conditions while trying to sell their produce.
“Previously, we had to sit under the rain and sun; it was challenging for everyone to make ends meet,” she noted, now relieved that all vendors can operate under one roof.
Ms. Reece explained that the new market has transformed customer interactions. “In the past, most customers would simply drive by, making it difficult for us to serve them. Now, we can relax indoors as we await customers,” she said.
The vendor highlighted the convenient location of the new market, making it easier for both vendors and customers. “Customers can park their vehicles and stroll around to purchase vegetables and root crops,” she mentioned.
At the previous site along the main road, Ms. Reece explained that customers were often rushed, resulting in a less enjoyable shopping experience.
She also recalled the challenges faced at the temporary sheds by the main road, where the town council frequently asked vendors to vacate the area.
Now at the new Nakasi Market, Ms. Reece anticipates many benefits. Coming from Nayavutoka village in Ra, she pointed out that it provides easier access to both Korovou Town and Suva compared to Rakiraki Town, from which she previously had to take two buses. “Now, we only need one bus to get to Suva, making this route more preferable for selling our produce,” she said.
Ms. Reece added, “If I cannot sell everything, I leave the remaining produce with other vendors to sell on my behalf.” She is eager to keep her goods safely stored in the new market, eliminating the daily hassle of transporting products. Her offerings include lemons, pawpaws, pumpkins, and cassava sourced from the village.
Typically, Ms. Reece collaborates with her daughter in selling their produce and mentioned that she is the aunt of All Blacks rugby union player Sevu Reece, as she is a cousin of his father.