HEAVY rain experienced in Labasa alarmed some market vendors after their stalls covered with tarpaulins subsided this week.
Vendor Meli Sakia said the recent setting of their stalls outside the market looked like a collection of tarpaulin squatter settlements.
“It is very disorganised and unhygienic, considering the fact that we are selling food items for people’s consumption,” said Mr Sakia.
“On Wednesday this week we had heavy rain and most of these stalls collapsed due to water that had collected on top of the tarpaulin roofs. This despite the fact that we are levied $1.60 as stall rates.”
“The place where we sell is really unhygienic as we are exposed to sun, rain and dust from vehicles passing by the stalls,” he said.
Another vendor Melania Raitabe said they were worried about the state of their produce which did not last long because of the exposed environments from which they sold.
“I am worried at times because I always think people will not buy my produce due to the exposed condition that they are sold in,” said Mrs Raitabe.
“Potholes exist just close to our stalls and during wet weather taxis passing by our stalls just splash water onto our stands and produce, it is sad,” she said.
“We have complained to the council and many times we had been promised change but nothing has been done so far,” she said.
Labasa and Savusavu town special administrator Vijay Chand said plans were underway for a facelift of the Labasa market and vendors should have patience as it will take time.