Commissioning of the Most Awaited Savusavu Municipal Market

Savusavu, Fiji — Home to more than 150 market vendors from the Cakaudrove province, the newly constructed Savusavu Market was officially opened today, creating a safe and inclusive space to sell their produce.  

The market was inaugurated by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, in partnership with the Australian Government and UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO), marking a significant step towards empowering local vendors and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Hon. Nalumisa highlighted the importance of upgrading the Savusavu Market as it reflected community development and stated: "This space is designed not only for trade but for safety, empowerment and the development of our Savusavu community.  This also includes improvements to sanitation, lighting, storage and designated safe spaces to ensure that vendors, particularly women can operate with dignity, safety, and comfort.

The new market building also includes a refurbished Savusavu Town Council office and incorporates modern design standards that can withstand extreme weather events, embodying Fiji’s commitment to climate resilience.  

Australian High Commission Counsellor Human Development Sophie Temby said: “the Australian Government is pleased to support this initiative, making a real difference to market vendors and the community in Savusavu.  Progressing gender equality and women's economic empowerment is a shared priority under our Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.”

The Savusavu Market is the first municipal market to be built in accordance with the Blue Town Model, a new concept to Fiji and uniquely to the Savusavu Town Council, which merges marine conservation and economic opportunities. 

The new market accommodates 152 market stalls, comprising of 123 stalls for permanent vendors and 29 for temporary vendors. The facility features a double-storey steel structure, with the ground floor allocated for handicrafts, vegetables, dry goods and a storage room. It also includes a conference room with a seating capacity of 150 people, a service lift and food outlets. 

The Savusavu Market is funded by the Government of Fiji and the Government of Australia through UN Women's Markets for Change (M4C) project with a combined investment of over FJD 5.8 million.

“The new market is a boost for us, the market vendors of Savusavu and we are looking forward to selling from this new facility, which has been long overdue. We are grateful to the Fiji Government, the Australian Government and the UN Women Markets for Change Project for this investment. We thank you for investing in the future of Savusavu and empowering our community”, shared Luisa Batibovici, the Savusavu Market Vendors and Farmers Association president. 

UN Women Deputy Representative Eri Taniguchi emphasised the market’s significance, stating: “The Savusavu Market represents a transformative space where women vendors can thrive, their efforts contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities. By empowering women as economic actors, we strengthen families, businesses, and the communities."

Soft furnishings for the market were also provided with the support from the National Committee of UN Women Australia for the rural women's accommodation and resources centre.