Market leakages fixed

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 27 May 2016, 12:00AM

Stall owners at the Fugalei market were happy yesterday. 

They had every reason to be after the Accident Compensation Corporation fixed leakages around the recently-opened $10million market at Fugalei. 

“It’s fixed,” said stall owner, Fa’afetai Tuifao. 

“Some of the boys have been on the roof since last week and this whole week. It’s good to know that they have heard our frustration and they have done something about it…We are back to business once again.”

Another stall owner who did not wish to give her name said she no longer has to close during rainy days. 

“When it rained earlier this week it was proof that the roof no longer leaks,” she said. 

“It makes life so much easier for us knowing that whether rain or shine we have still got a business to run.”

Two weeks ago, heavy rainfall in Apia exposed the sad reality of the market. 

Mrs. Tuifao, was so frustrated that she and more that 10 other stalls were unable to open for business that she decided to speak up publicly. 

 “I’m quite angry about this,” she told the Samoa Observer earlier this month.  

“I’ve decided to speak up publicly because we raised this issue a year ago and nothing has been done about it. Today, we cannot sell our stuff because the water just buckets down every time there is a heavy downpour. 

“It’s ridiculous that we are asked to pay for the rent even though we cannot display our handicrafts and clothes.” 

The Fugalei Market was opened in August 2014. 

The initial design had a two-storey building that was going to cost $42million. After long delays, Cabinet changed the plan and settled for a $10million single dwelling 

The opening was music to the ears for farmers and vendors, who had had to brave the relentless sun and rain for several years, some on roadsides, to sell their produce and crops. 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 27 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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