Vendors at the Namaka Municipal Market in Nadi are increasingly raising concerns about the surge of illegal street vendors operating outside the market, jeopardizing their sales and livelihoods. This situation poses significant challenges for the 95 registered vendors who depend on the foot traffic generated within the market.
Mariana Divikoca, President of the Namaka Market Vendors Association, articulated the difficulties faced by these registered vendors. “At the moment, our business is not going very well. Our sales are significantly impacted by those selling on the street. Their presence is harming our operations here in the market,” she emphasized.
Divikoca pointed out that there is sufficient space available within the market to accommodate the street vendors and expressed hope that local authorities would act to create a more equitable environment for all sellers. “There is plenty more space in the market for everyone. That’s the purpose of establishing the market, allowing all vendors to sell here,” she remarked.
The challenge of illegal street vending is not exclusive to Nadi. Vendors in other markets, such as the Suva fish market, have reported similar struggles with unregistered sellers who do not incur the same operating costs but still compete with legitimate businesses. This situation has spurred calls for enhanced support from local authorities aimed at improving the working conditions and fairness for vendors.
Kaitu’u Crocker, a long-standing vendor at the Namaka Market for nearly thirty years, stressed that illegal street vending also extends to areas surrounding the airport and back roads, further complicating their ability to sell their produce effectively. Despite numerous complaints lodged with the Nadi Town Council regarding the actions of street vendors, many of the issues remain unresolved for those legally operating within the market.
In light of these growing concerns, Saliceni Raiwalui, the Special Administrator of the Nadi Town Council, announced the launch of enforcement operations aimed at tackling the illegal street vending issue. He stated, “We will commence operations this week to investigate the situation and issue notices to those selling without proper permits, and if they do not comply, we will take them to court.”
Market vendors are hopeful that these initiatives will help restore balance within their commercial environment and enhance business conditions at the municipal market. The collective voices of these vendors highlight the urgent need for local authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue and enforce regulations that foster a fair marketplace for all.