About 50 women vendors at Natovi Jetty are seeking government support to enhance their working environment as passenger numbers increase. Veteran seller Madelene Yalimai, aged 62, notes that the jetty has become a critical stop for travelers from Lomaiviti and Vanua Levu, especially during the festive season, with many stopping to purchase meals and essentials.
“This Christmas season has been very good for us,” Ms. Yalimai expressed. “A lot of people traveling back and forth stop to buy food here.” Having started her selling journey at the age of 15, Ms. Yalimai recently opened the first BBQ stall at Natovi, contributing to the growing presence of food vendors in the area. She emphasizes that the rise in both sellers and customers highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure.
Currently, vendors work from makeshift stalls offering various items such as roti parcels, fish meals, BBQ, fruits, and snacks, which are essential for travelers on long journeys. Ms. Yalimai advocates for proper food stalls, arguing that enhanced facilities would not only improve hygiene and safety but also enable women to earn stable incomes to support their families.
“For many of us, this is how we survive and pay for our children’s education,” she stated. Ms. Yalimai hopes that authorities will recognize the vital role vendors play in supporting both travelers and local communities, enabling them to continue their work at the jetty with dignity.
“This place feeds many families,” she concluded, underscoring the importance of the vendors’ contributions to the local economy and community well-being. The demand for improved facilities at Natovi Jetty reflects a broader need for sustainable support for vendors, ensuring that they can thrive while serving a growing number of customers.