A boost for market vendors in Sigatoka.  Women vendors are now happier than ever. They have been provided with accommodation at the market from February this year they will not have to worry about travelling back to the village daily. What a blessing to have a proper sleeping area for women vendors who have been travelling long distances to sell their produce. There are 30 proper beds provided by the government and the town council of Sigatoka.  With the new complex the vendors now have shower and toilet facilities, a kitchen area and the best thing is that they can sleep soundly after the hard day’s work.

The new accommodation was opened by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this month. The facility cost $400,000 to construct and furnish and is located above the Sigatoka Municipal Market which caters for about 180 vendors.

The Prime Minister in his opening speech said “What we are doing here is providing a home away from home for our women who leave their families behind in outlying areas and make their way to town to sell their produce. For too long, we have allowed our women to sometimes spend several days sleeping on the footpath beside their stalls. They have been vulnerable to thieves and to the weather. And just as bad for them and their families, they have left behind loved ones who worry about whether their mother, sister or daughter is safe.”

The Prime Minister also promised that they will look into constructing a canteen and a training room to train the vendors on how to improve their individual businesses, manage their earnings and generally boost their livelihoods.