The Labasa Fish Market is undergoing vital renovations intended to improve the facility’s overall quality and address longstanding issues that have troubled fish vendors. Concerns predominantly centered around inadequate drainage systems and roof leaks have made conditions especially challenging for vendors, particularly women, who often contend with a cold and wet environment while selling their seafood.
Penito Raiyawa, President of the Fish Vendor Association, expressed appreciation to the Labasa Town Council for taking action on these issues. He noted that the vendors have long voiced their grievances regarding the dilapidated conditions, highlighting the critical need for better drainage and repairs to the roofing.
CEO of Labasa Town Council, Samuela Ligairi, confirmed that the ongoing repairs are a direct response to complaints from vendors and are part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery at the market. He mentioned, “The repairs currently going on are because of the complaints received from fish vendors. They are providing the services, but the facility is not up to that standard, so we are working on improving that facility and service delivery.”
The market, which consists of 54 vendor tables mostly occupied by women, attracts considerable foot traffic, especially on Saturdays when vendors from rural and outer islands come to sell seafood and local delicacies. With maintenance ongoing, there is renewed hope for improved working conditions, which could significantly enhance the vendors’ experience.
The proactive measures taken by the Labasa Town Council reflect their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by market vendors. This development is a promising step toward fostering a safer, more accommodating marketplace, ultimately benefiting the community and bolstering local economic activity. By addressing these infrastructural challenges, the Labasa Fish Market is poised for a positive transformation, creating a vibrant and sustainable environment for all involved.
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