The Laqere Market, valued at $7.2 million, has recently undergone a significant renovation costing $90,000, just five years after its initial construction. This renovation addresses various issues such as malfunctioning fans and PowerPoints, as well as a leaking roof, ensuring a safer and more effective environment for the vendors.
Following a temporary outdoor selling arrangement for five weeks during the renovation, vendors returned to a market that now appears almost brand new. Nasinu Town Council Chief Executive Felix Magnus emphasized that the wellbeing of the vendors was the council’s primary concern, stating, “We do not want to blame anyone but we just want to see that works are being carried out so that our vendors are in a safe and conducive area.”
The renovation is part of a larger initiative reflecting a commitment to improving market conditions across Fiji, similar to efforts seen at the Labasa Fish Market and other locations where vendors have expressed the need for enhanced facilities. Magnus noted the importance of learning from earlier oversights and mentioned plans for outdoor stalls during weekends to facilitate continued vendor engagement, as many shoppers frequent the market even during renovations.
The changes made at Laqere Market are anticipated not only to improve vendor conditions but also to strengthen community connections and contribute positively to local economic activity. This reflects a hopeful trend towards addressing infrastructural challenges that can significantly impact vendors’ operations and their ability to thrive in the marketplace.
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