Continuous rain over the past few days damaged handicraft items owned by Savusavu market women vendors who were relocated by the Savusavu Town Council to tents.

The women vendors, who have been temporarily relocated to the Natuvu Park opposite the Copra Shed, operate out of tents and during rainy days, their mats and tapa get soaked.

Rosalia Sui, a vendor of 20 years, said some women lost about $500 worth of mats and tapa.

“We don’t mind being relocated but they should have provided a good tent,” Ms Sui said.

“The tent we are using only has a roof over our head so when it rains, water comes into the shed and wets our mats, tapa, jewellery and other items.

“And this park is muddy, soggy and wet so customers don’t come around to buy. The council should have planned this better and thought of this before moving us here and at least have put some gravel on the ground.

“We know this is a temporary location before we move back to the new market but we can’t afford to lose $500 worth of items while waiting because we have families to support.”

Savusavu special administrator Doreen Robinson said the vendors should have raised their issues with the council.

“Vendors are being shifted to temporary sites as work has started on the new market so everyone will be inconvenienced but they should talk to the council chief executive so we can accommodate them,” she said.

“It’s only a temporary measure and they will move back when the new market is ready.”

Source: Fiji Times Online – https://www.fijitimes.com/rain-adds-to-vendors-woes-handicraft-damaged-for-vendors-under-tents/