Market vendor Luisa Reece has expressed her appreciation for the newly opened Nakasi Market, stating it significantly enhances the selling experience for vendors.
“We are truly thankful to the government for considering our request to build a market,” Ms. Reece remarked. She noted that previously, vendors endured harsh weather conditions, often sitting outside in both rain and sun, making it difficult to stay afloat financially.
Ms. Reece is pleased that all vendors can now operate under one roof. “In the past, most customers would drive through our selling area, which made it challenging for us to serve them. Now, in the new market, we can sit back and relax while we wait for customers to arrive,” she explained.
The new market’s location is advantageous for both vendors and shoppers. “Customers can easily park their vehicles and stroll around to purchase vegetables and root crops,” she added. She highlighted that the previous setup along the main road meant rushing sales, leaving customers unable to thoroughly browse the produce.
Ms. Reece mentioned that local authorities previously attempted to remove vendors from old temporary structures near the main road. “The new Nakasi Market brings numerous improvements that will support us,” she said, explaining that she hails from Nayavutoka Village in Ra, which is more accessible to Korovou Town and Suva than Rakiraki Town.
Traveling to Rakiraki Town requires her to board two buses, whereas she only needs one bus to reach Suva. “This is why we prefer selling our produce here,” she noted. If she does not sell all her items, she allows other vendors to sell on her behalf.
The new market also provides a secure place to store products. “There’s no chaos of moving my items in and out every day. I sell lemons, pawpaws, pumpkins, and cassava, which I bring from the village,” Ms. Reece shared. She often assists her daughter in selling their goods and is related to All Blacks rugby union player Sevu Reece, being a cousin of his father.