As announced by the Minister for Local Government Hon. Premila Kumar, Fiji’s 13 Municipal Councils is decentralising the main central markets in their municipalities to deal with issues of overcrowding and the lack of physical distancing of buyers during this COVID-19 crisis period. The decentralised markets will be opened in suburbs, parks and other areas to give options to consumers to do their market shopping without the need to travel far from home or to the central markets in town or city area. It is vital that the consumers observe physical distancing and avoid unnecessary human contact.
“Consumers have been recently seen to be coming out in large numbers at central market to do their market shopping amid COVID-19. As such the Municipal Councils are taking increased precautionary measures to ensure safety of all citizens, in addition to their spacing of vendors and increased market cleaning work,”said Minister Kumar.
“Safety is our priority. All vendors and consumers must understand that we can fight COVID-19 by maintaining physical distance of 2 meters to avoid human contact and by maintaining hygiene,” she added.
“Consumers are encouraged to do their marketing in their neighbourhood markets or mini markets. They must act responsibly and plan their visit to avoid gathering in large numbers. This is for your safety, your families safety and your communities safety.”
Municipal Councils around Fiji have identified areas to spread their respective market vendors or decentralize in different locations around their municipalities.
Below is the list of areas identified by those Municipal Councils who will set up new short term mini or neighborhood markets.
Suva
i. Suva Main Market
ii. Nabua Mini Market
iii. Bailey Bridge Mini Market
iv. UN Park
v. My Suva Park
vi. Raiwaqa Temporary Market
vii. Flagstaff Mini Market
viii. Mead Road (Informal) Market
Lautoka
i. Lautoka Market
ii. Tavakubu Mini Market
iii. Nadovu Park
iv. Kamikamica Park
v. Field-40 Ground
vi. Tennis Court (outside of Churchill Park
vii. Pygmies Court (Natokowaqa)
viii. Saweni roadside stalls
ix. Drasa Vitogo Ground (near Tilak High School)
Nausori
i. Nausori Main Market
ii. Car Park on the Existing Market
iii. Korovou Market
iv. Nakasi Informal Market
Nadi
i. Nadi Market
ii. Namaka Market
iii. Dannys Seafood Cold Storage in Korovuto
iv. Prince Charles Park Premises
Labasa
i. Main Market
ii. Council Car Park beside Shop & Save
Nasinu
i. Valelevu Main Market
ii. Ratu Dovi Rd
iii. Yasiyasi Rd
iv. Nokonoko (Bailey Bridge)
v. Valelevu (Opposite Police Station)
vi. Narere – Omkar Rd Opposite New World Super Market
vii. Nadawa – Main Road
viii. Makoi Mini Market
ix. RB Patel Informal Market
Levuka
i. Markets along the Fore Shore
Lami
i. Lami Main Market
ii. Navua Market
Tavua
i. Main Market
Sigatoka
i. Main Market
ii. Cuvu Mini Market
iii. Market Car Park area
iv. R. B. Patel Arcade
v. Sweet Cart Side – Main Market
vi. Railway open space area
Ba
i. Main Market
ii. Nailaga Mini Market
iii. Central Arcade - opposite the market
Rakiraki
i. Rakiraki Main Market
ii. Rakiraki Old Market
Savusavu
i. Foreshore Temporary Market
ii. Council Frontage Area
iii. Carrier Stand
The Ministry of Local Government together with the Municipal Councils will ensure the safety of all citizens by taking necessary steps during such times.