PORT VILA – Travelers passing through Teouma will no longer be able to enjoy food from roadside markets following a move by a custom owner to restrict these operations.

Chief Andrew Willie of Eratap Village has placed traditional “tabu” restrictions on roadside markets stretching from Stella Marie along the road to Eratap. The decision follows concerns over the legality of market operations in the area.

Chief Willie stated that one key reason for imposing the restrictions is that many vendors, particularly local women, do not have business licenses to legally sell local food in public spaces.

Speaking to VBTC News, Chief Willie explained: “The reason why I placed these ‘tabu’ restrictions on the small roadside markets along Stella Marie is because they are located on land that does not belong to the vendors. The land belongs to Caillard Kaddour, and despite several warnings from the estate, vendors have ignored them.”

He further stated: “The Shefa Provincial Government has also stepped in and told the vendors they cannot operate roadside markets in this area. As a result, I had to enforce these restrictions. If people want to run roadside markets, they need to obtain a business license from Shefa Province to operate legally.”

Chief Willie urged vendors to follow the proper procedures, ensuring they have the necessary permits to avoid further disruptions to their businesses.