This week Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama paid a visit to the Sigatoka municipal market to see the current state of the market before upgrading works begin.
Government has allocated $200,000 for the upgrading of the current market which is situated in the centre of the town.
Special Administrator Jay Whyte and Provincial Administrator Peni Koro accompanied the Prime Minister who expressed concern on the current status of the market where sellers are congested into small spaces to sell their produce from.
“After the upgrading of the market, wholesalers and retailers will now have better facilities to use in providing hygienic and healthy selling facilities to their customers”, Mr Koro said.
“The Prime Minister’s visit also reiterates Government’s commitment towards our farmers who contribute to the nation’s economy and especially Sigatoka which is a known producers and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Sigatoka is also the biggest exporter of fruits and vegetables and exports almost 90 percent of Fiji’s export produce such as pawpaw, eggplant, cucumber, cabbage, and okra among others.
Whist in Sigatoka, the Prime Minister also visited the new site of the proposed Sigatoka bus stand, which will be located behind Menoos Fashions and the ANZ bank branch there.
“Currently, the town has seen an influx of bus services and with record number of tourists arriving, the town council feels that a new site for the bus stand,” Mr Koro added.
“The new bus stand will also ensure minimal disruptions to shop operators, customers and other Fijians who use the town centre for business purposes.
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