Lautoka City Council offers spaces in the city for tradespeople facing difficulties to earn an income

The Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development or FRIEND says the Lautoka City Council has agreed to offer spaces free of charge around the city where tradespeople can operate from to earn an income during this difficult period.

FRIEND says the current focus for this program are people from Ba, Lautoka and Nadi impacted by the demise of the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan confirmed to FRIEND that the Council is able to offer Natokowaqa Pygmies Court and Shirley Park (opposite ANZ bank where the Saturday flea market used to be) as spaces where tradespeople could operate to service repairs on a daily basis.

FRIEND says due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, thousands of people have lost employment or are on reduced hours making it difficult for them to make ends meet.

They say the areas allocated can be used for unemployed technicians and electricians to repair washing machines, fridges, blenders, irons, brush cutters to help tradespeople generate income as they may be out of jobs, and providing a cheaper alternative to repair appliances for the public.

FRIEND says a marquee will be set up by the Council at Natokowaqa courts, but technicians will have to provide their own tents and tables at Shirley Park.

They say power can be supplied at Natokowaqa and Shirley Park at cost sharing basis and operating hours will be 8am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

FRIEND confirms that a timeframe for this initiative has been agreed for next three months.

They say conditions for use include that users clear the repaired or unrepaired appliances at the end of the day for these spaces.

FRIEND is requesting those interested to please register with your trade at https://forms.gle/yYqm5f1686HsfoFX8

They say all those registered will have to be certified, registered and agree to City Council Conditions and abide by Health Safety Rules.

FRIEND is also offering free online training for those unemployed with assistance from Traseable Farms.

Through offering free online training and creating spaces for tradespeople, FRIEND with the assistance of other partners is trying to assist with income generation initiatives for those in need.