Fijivillage
26 February, 2026, 4:13 am
Central - 23°C Rain
26 February, 2026, 4:13 am Central - 23°C Rain

Single mother struggling to survive after Flea Market fire

Single mother struggling to survive after Flea Market fire

By Shanil Singh
16/06/2020
[File Photo]

Almost a month after the devastation caused by the fire at Suva Flea Market, some vendors still have no source of income and are struggling to make ends meet.

Tailasa Rureni who was a tailor at the market says her three machines and all sewing materials were destroyed in the fire and she is now finding it very hard to survive.

flea-market-fire-sm

Value City engulfed in flames | 22/05/2020

Rureni says being a single mother and having to provide for her 1-year old son and her mother, her sewing business was her only source of income. She says times were already hard before the fire due to the COVID-19 pandemic but now it is difficult to even put food on the table on some days.

Rureni says she is grateful to some relatives who have provided her with financial support to pay her rent and some other expenses but it is not enough.

She adds they have applied for the government’s small business loan assistance and hopes to buy at least one sewing machine that can help her get back on her feet.

FEATURE NEWS
RFMF warns Fiji could become a semi-narco-state in 3–5 years without stronger political action
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is concerned that if there is no political will to have a more aggressive, robust response to the drug problem, F...
7 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
RFMF warns Fiji could become a semi-narco-state in 3–5 years without stronger political action
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is concerned that if there is no political will to have a more aggressive, robust response to the drug problem, ...
7 hours ago

First batch of 100 prefabricated homes in Nepani nears completion
30 of 100 prefabricated homes in the Nepani Subdivision are nearing completion and will soon be handed over to buyers under a new land-and-housing ...
11 hours ago

Local Government elections could be held before year-end - Nalumisa
After more than two decades without municipal polls, Fiji could see local government elections return before the end of this year. Minister for ...
11 hours ago

Ethical leadership and transparency critical in fight against drugs – Serevi
Ethical leadership and transparency at every level of society are critical if Fiji is to combat the growing threat of illicit drugs.Speaking at the ...
11 hours ago

Sigatoka Town flooded
Sigatoka Town is flooded following heavy rain in the last hour.Sigatoka Town Council Special Administrator Adish Naidu says the town was also flooded ...
11 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
3 days ago

Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
20 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
20 days ago

TOP