A Nadi vendor is urging Fijians to use water wisely amid the current dry weather and report water leakages to the relevant authorities so they can be fixed as soon as possible.
Mohammed Rashid, who lives in Korociri, Nadi, says people should avoid using too much water, including washing of vehicles.
Rashid says the Government should ensure free-call numbers are displayed around communities so people can easily report water leakages to the Water Authority of Fiji.
He says he has personally seen water running from leakages for up to a week without being repaired.
Rashid says water pressure in Korociri is also low, with the supply not flowing strongly.
He is urging the public to take responsibility for conserving water and authorities to respond quickly when leakages are reported.
Meanwhile, Rashid, who has been living in Nadi for 45 years, says he started his business in 1999 and has been involved in the kava trade.
He says the shortage of kava is creating challenges for vendors, as more kava is being exported overseas, including to China, leaving less supply available locally.
Rashid says the shortage is pushing prices up, with kava that previously sold for around $80 to $90 now costing about $150.
He says the shortage is also affecting the number of vendors operating kava stalls at the market, with only about five of the approximately 200 stalls operating in the kava trade.
Rashid is calling on landowners, especially young people, to plant more kava to meet the growing demand and create opportunities to earn a good income.
He says older farmers have been planting more kava, while the younger generation is planting less.
Rashid says farmers in areas where kava can be grown should consider increasing production, particularly as demand continues to rise.
He also says the high cost of purchasing kava means vendors need substantial capital to keep their businesses running.
Rashid is asking the Government to consider helping market vendors with stall fees and parking costs.
He says vendors pay $5.50 a day to park their vehicles and believes reducing the fee would help ease the financial pressure on small businesses.
On market facilities, Rashid says the toilets are generally clean, but the rubbish bin outside the market produces a bad smell.
He is calling on the council to relocate the rubbish bin to improve the environment for vendors and customers.
Rashid has four children, three boys and one girl.
