Cabinet are reviewing the future of local produce markets in Samoa, in order to set out a clear policy definition and decide which single government entity should be responsible for them.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said Cabinet deliberated for some time over the future of Samoa’s local produce markets currently under the control of two separate government entities.
At present the Samoa Land Corporation (SLC) controls the Salelologa market as well as the Vaitele and Savalalo markets; while the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) are landlords to vendors at the Fugalei market and the fish market.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet took time to carefully consider local produce markets at its weekly Wednesday sitting, because of the significance of the sector to the income generation of small business owners in the informal sector.
“The Cabinet had been informed by various sources on the existing markets, and how they are performing and also on the proposed new markets especially here at the Apia Urban area..” said the Prime Minister.
Fiame acknowledged the market at Savalalo recently disestablished, and the proposed new market development in Sogi with the intermin provision that currently has people setting up stalls at a temporary location at Fugalei.
Fiame says Cabinet is taking the opportunity to review the history and strategic direction of local produce markets in Samoa, including the various proposals for new urban sites and most especially – which government entity should be responsible for them.
“The new administration would like to have a fuller understanding of the proposals.. and ensure there is a clear policy definition of where we want markets, where we need markets, and what level of investment should be given to this particular sector”, said the Prime Minister.
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