Market Vendor David Alick shares the financial struggles faced by families in Port Vila after the December 17 earthquake disrupted livelihoods.

The December 17 earthquake has left many families in Port Vila facing financial hardship as they prepare for the new school year. December and January are usually busy months for parents saving for school fees, but this year, the disaster has made it nearly impossible for many to cover the costs.

Parents working in the Central Business District, which remains closed, are among the hardest hit. David Alick, a chef who worked in the Port Vila Market for 8 years, spoke about the challenges:

“After the earthquake, we lost our income. I’ve had to go back to my community, collect produce, and return to Vila to sell it. It’s a struggle, but we do what we can to support our families.”

Chief Alick highlighted the difficulties parents now face:

“This disaster struck at the worst time. Parents are worried about how they’ll afford school fees. For those in the islands, market sales in Vila were their main income, and now they’re left with very few options.”

To assist, a temporary market space has been organized in Freshwota Field, where vendors sell under the trees. The local council charges vendors Vt 300 per day, giving them an opportunity to earn despite challenging conditions.

“The weather is a problem,” said Chief Alick. “When it rains, we can’t sell, but on good days, we’re here to provide fresh island produce for the community.”

As the school year approaches, families in Port Vila continue to adapt, relying on community support and resourcefulness to navigate the financial pressures left in the wake of the earthquake.