The long wait for market vendors in Savusavu is finally over as they witnessed the opening of their new market by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa.
The new market, officially opened yesterday (09:05:2025), is climate-resilient, inclusive, and designed to serve the people of Savusavu for generations to come. It includes 152 market stalls, 123 for permanent vendors and 29 for temporary vendors.
Hon. Nalumisa said this project represented one of the largest investments by any Fiji Government in the town of Savusavu after the port upgrade, and it stood as a powerful symbol of the Coalition Government’s firm commitment to equitable development across the nation, ensuring that prosperity reaches every corner, especially the Northern Division.
Concerns were raised around the aging market infrastructure in Savusavu with limited space and vulnerability to extreme weather events, which highlighted the need for a modern upgrade.
A total investment of $5.87 million, which includes $5.84 million from the Fiji Government and over $720,000 from the United Nations Women under the Markets for Change Project, was put together to erect the new Savusavu Market.
United Nations Women Deputy Representative Eri Taniguchi said one of the challenges faced by the market vendors in Savusavu was lack of infrastructure since 2017.
“The lack of proper infrastructure has affected their ability to work efficiently to provide quality goods and ultimately to sustain their livelihoods. Through the market for change project, we are proud to partner with the Ministry of Local Government and Savusavu Town Council to provide the infrastructure needed to support these vendors, ensuring that the needs of the vendors, like cleaner and a spacious environment, are met in a sustainable manner,” Ms. Taniguchi said.
Previously, handicrafts that were sold at the old Savusavu market were spoiled due to leaks from the roof, according to Savusavu handicraft vendor Irinieta Matia.
“We sometimes had to throw away handicraft items because they no longer carried a value for tourists to buy them, because of the rain that spoils them,” Mrs. Matia said.
This new facility also includes a separate section for handicrafts, farm produce, kava, dry goods, and seafood, as well as a first-floor conference room seating 150 guests, food outlets, small to medium enterprise vendor spaces, and a scenic balcony for outdoor dining with a proper storage area. In addition to this, there is also allocated space for proper sanitation, lighting, and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities, and refurbished public convenience together with a council office facility.
Reflecting the Government’s commitment to clean energy and climate resilience, the new Savusavu market has also been prepped for future solar panel installation.