Temporary market space in Rakiraki supports vendors post Cyclone Winston
As part of its Markets for Change project, UN Women provided tents, extra tables and chairs to provide a temporary market space for as many vendors as possible while the new market building is constructed.Date:
“We are trying to rebuild our life because life has to go on. Right now we have to be brave and put a smile on our faces and try to move on. That’s all we can do.”
For the past 11 years Varanisese Maisamoa has been selling fish, cooked food and fresh produce at Rakiraki Market in Fiji. On a good day she could make between $100 and $150 profit, which paid for the water bill, her children’s schooling and medical care, and transport.
Cyclone Winston has changed everything.
The market has been destroyed. Local farmers have very little to sell so wholesale prices have tripled. Instead Mrs Maisamoa has to close her stall for two days each week to travel in search of produce that she can sell. Last week it was Sigatoka. This week she has found a supplier near Nausori.
To read the full story visit UN Women's regional website for Asia and the Pacific: http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/stories/2016/03/temporary-market-space-in-rakiraki