Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar says the ministry is struggling and is working hard to look for donors to build Small Micro Enterprise markets around the country to help create space for people to sell their produce.
While speaking at the Raiwaqa/Raiwai Market Day programme today, Kumar says they plan to build these markets around municipal markets.
She says this is because a lot of people turn up to markets on weekends to do their marketing.
Kumar says this market day is a great opportunity for people to sell their crafts, products and produce to earn money for their livelihood as it is a way to combat COVID-19.
She says a lot these families have members who are on reduced hours or are unemployed due to COVID-19.
The theme for the market day is “Work for better unity, help our community”.
Kumar says small and micro enterprises form the backbone of the country as they contribute 18 percent towards the country’s GDP and provide employment to about 60 percent Fijians.
Coordinator for the Raiwaqa/Raiwai SME Business Association, Felix Parker says the whole purpose of this event is to generate income in the community as a lot of people in Raiwaqa are struggling and are unemployed due to COVID-19.
Parker is urging people to come and support these people.
There are 30 stalls at the market day and it will be open till 5pm today.
