New operational hours for municipal markets in Viti Levu

The Ministry of Local Government has decided to introduce the new operating hours for municipal markets around Viti Levu following the announcement of the new 6pm to 4am curfew. The Suva Main Market, Bailey Bridge, Raiwaqa, Nabua, Flagstaff, Lami and Navua markets will operate daily from 8am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays. For people residing in Nausori, the new operating hours of the market will be from 7am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and 6am to 4pm on Saturdays and on Sundays.

Vendors will only be allowed to sell outside the Nausori Market from 6am to 1pm.

The new opening hours at the Korovou Market will be from 6am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays. For the Laqere, Makoi and Valelevu Markets, the new operating hours are from 6am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays and all the three markets will operate from 6am to 1pm on Sundays for outside selling. The Ba Market will open from 7am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays, while the Rakiraki and Tavua Markets will operate from 8am to 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 7am to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

For market vendors in Lautoka, the Main Market will operate from Mondays to Fridays from 7am to 4pm and from 6am to 4pm on Saturdays while the Lautoka Bus Station Market will operate from 8am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays. The Lautoka New Wing market will operate from 7am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays and for those residing near Tavakubu settlement, the market will open from Mondays to Saturdays from 7am to 5pm.

The Nadi Main Market will serve people from 6am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays and 7am to 2pm on Sundays while the Namaka Market will open from 7am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays and 7am to 2pm on Sundays. For people residing in Sigatoka, the market will open its doors from 8am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says the revised opening hours for the Municipal Markets was taken into consideration to allow vendors and consumers to reach home safely before 6pm.

She says they do not want vendors and consumers to break any curfew rules and regulations.

Kumar says they also do not want consumers to converge at these markets at the same time as this will not only cause problems for the municipal staff and other vendors and members of the public.

The Minister adds her Ministry will keep revising and informing the public if there will be further changes to the markets opening hours as per announcements made by the Health Ministry moving forward.