By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The struggling vendors in the Auki Central Market, Malaita Province, have voiced their disagreement at security officers of the market for chasing them away during the night.
It was during a night, when Auki was experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.
At that time, security officers came and told the vendors to leave the market building.
The vendors said that during times of heavy rain and strong winds, the market security should have the compassion to at least accommodate them in the market to rest for the next day.
One of the vendors, John Basiori from West Kwaio, said the situation is challenging, especially for vendors coming from far away and who do not have relatives residing in Auki.
He said that many of them have been using the front shops for sleeping at night, and it is getting worse during bad weather.
“Many of us depend on the front shops to rest for the next day’s marketing, and this is very challenging when we experience heavy rain and strong winds.
“The security should have some respect and a good heart to at least accommodate us in the market building,” he said.
Meanwhile, Basiori is calling on the Malaita Provincial Government to build a safe resting place for the vendors who travel from far places just to sell their produce, or else allow the vendors to sleep inside the market building.
Island Sun understands that Auki Central Market does not allow any vendors to sleep inside to avoid theft and the consumption of alcohol.
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