9 Jan 2017

Strike averted at Port Vila markets

8:40 pm on 9 January 2017

A planned week-long strike by market vendors in the Vanuatu capital Port Vila has been averted.

The normally bustling Port Vila Market House was empty on January 9 2017 as vendors stayed away over concern at permit increases

The normally bustling Port Vila Market House was empty on Monday morning as vendors stayed away over concern at permit increases Photo: RNZI/Heather Maraki

Stall-holders in the main city market and other outlets in the capital were planning to stop work today over concern at an increase in the cost of permits.

The chairman of the Port Vila Market House committee, Elison Tabisal, met with the Market Vendors Association this morning and said vegetable sellers had agreed to co-operate and continue selling.

The market supplies the capital's population as well as restaurants and hotels in Port Vila.

Mr Tabisal said the vendors can continue to pay $US4 a day for their market space until there's been proper consultation on planned new fees with the municipal authorities.