Women vendors in Kasavu Village and nearby communities in Naitasiri now have a safe and weather-protected space to sell their produce following the official commissioning of the new Kasavu Women’s Market Centre today (10.02.26).
The facility was commissioned by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, marking the end of eight years of roadside selling where women traded vegetables, root crops and freshwater mussels under harsh weather conditions and alongside busy traffic.
Funded by the Government through the Ministry’s Self-Help Programme at a cost of over $66,000, the market provides a secure and dignified environment for women to earn a living and support their families.
Women’s group leader Ms. Veniana Lia described the new centre as life-changing, recalling years of operating without shelter and constant safety concerns.
Minister Bulitavu said the investment reflects Government’s commitment to empowering rural women and strengthening household incomes.
“This market centre creates real opportunities for our women by providing a stable and secure place to do business. When we invest in women, we invest in families and the future of our rural communities,” he said.
The facility is expected to benefit Kasavu and surrounding areas by improving market access, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship, and driving local economic activity. The Minister also urged the community to take ownership of the centre to ensure it remains a lasting asset for future generations.