Around 50 women vendors at Natovi Jetty are appealing for government assistance to enhance their working conditions as passenger traffic surges. Veteran seller Madelene Yalimai, who is 62 years old, highlights the jetty’s significance as a stopover for travelers from Lomaiviti and Vanua Levu, particularly during the festive season when many stop to buy meals and essentials.
“This Christmas season has been very good for us,” Ms. Yalimai remarked. “A lot of people traveling back and forth stop to buy food here.” Having embarked on her selling career at just 15, she recently established the first BBQ stall at Natovi, marking a growing trend of food vendors in the area. She stresses that the increase in both vendors and customers underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure.
Currently, these vendors operate from makeshift stalls, offering an array of items such as roti parcels, fish meals, BBQ, fruits, and snacks, which are crucial for travelers on long journeys. Ms. Yalimai strongly advocates for the construction of proper food stalls, contending that better facilities would enhance hygiene and safety while providing women with stable income opportunities to support their families.
“For many of us, this is how we survive and pay for our children’s education,” she pointed out. Ms. Yalimai expressed hope that authorities will recognize the essential role that these vendors play in supporting both travelers and the local community, allowing them to conduct their business with dignity.
“This place feeds many families,” she concluded, underscoring the significant contributions of vendors to the local economy and community welfare. The call for improved facilities at Natovi Jetty highlights a vital need for sustainable support for these vendors, ensuring they can flourish while catering to an ever-growing customer base.