Port Vila’s Central Market has temporarily moved to Seaside Market as authorities work on securing the CBD area. To help accommodate market vendors, tents have been set up outside the Seaside Market to protect them from harsh weather conditions, following a collaboration with the UN Market for Change initiative.

Sacha Watt, Market Master for both the Port Vila Main Market and Seaside Market under the Port Vila City Council, explained that the new area can only fit around 60 vendors, which is much smaller than the Main Market that usually holds large number of vendors.

Watt also mentioned that vendors who cannot be accommodated at Seaside Market may be redirected to Anamburu and Freswota Park Markets for short periods, ensuring they can continue to sell without incurring excessive travel costs.

The Port Vila City Council (PVCC) is actively seeking sponsors to provide tents for vendors selling slow food and garden flowers. Despite space limitations, Watt assured the public that the market’s operations would continue smoothly.

One vendor, who asked to stay anonymous, said the move has helped a lot, as market sales are their family’s only source of income.