Fest’Napuan committee opens Saralana Park to vendors

February 6, 2025 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The Fest’Napuan Committee, which manages Saralana Park, has permitted local vendors and some retail businesses, including Chinese-owned shops, to operate within the park area since the main town remains closed.

According to the Lady Mayor of Port Vila, Jenny Regenvanu, the Fest’Napuan Committee is overseeing the management of Saralana Park and has accommodated vendors selling handicrafts, as well as some retailers, restaurants, and other small businesses.

She said efforts are being made to manage the vendors properly to ensure the area remains orderly, as more “mama” vendors continue to seek space to sell their products.

Regenvanu clarified that only a small number of vendors stationed in town have asked for space in the park—not all have moved in.

She added that Saralana Park is open to anyone wishing to sell their goods, but an agreement is required to ensure vendors comply with rules that respect the venue.

The designated selling area extends from the parking lot towards Parliament House, and efforts have been made to maintain cleanliness and organisation. Regenvanu mentioned that the duration for which vendors can continue selling in the park depends on the ongoing demolition of buildings in the Central Business District (CBD).

Due to the increasing number of vendors, the committee has facilitated access to toilet facilities, operating them like a business. Vendors are required to contribute towards expenses, including water, toilet paper, and maintenance.

Initially, vendors set up in Saralana Park on December 21, 2024. As demand grew, an agreement was reached to charge vendors VT250 per day for a single tent and VT500 for a larger tent. Additionally, the public is charged VT50 per person for toilet use. The revenue generated is intended to cover operational costs. She noted that vendors have responded positively to the pricing system.

Regenvanu explained that food vendors are allocated spaces near the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS) to mitigate issues such as flies, while other vendors and retailers are placed closer to the main road.

One vendor, speaking to the Daily Post, shared that after the earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17, 2024, she focused on continuing her business to support her family. She thanked the Lady Mayor and Fest’Napuan Committee for allowing them to sell their products at Saralana Park.

Vanessa Chilia from Mele Village, an employee at Yumi Korean Restaurant—formerly located at Olympic Hotel—also secured space at Saralana Park after the earthquake damaged their building. She mentioned that the restaurant, previously employing five staff members, is now operating with four due to financial constraints. Renting space at Saralana Park for VT500 per day for two tents has been a cost-effective alternative.

Another vendor, Meriam Peter, who sells cooked food, expressed her appreciation to the committee for providing space for vendors to earn income for school fees and daily expenses. She praised the fair pricing, which she believes has been beneficial to many families.

Regenvanu elaborated on the formal process for using Saralana Park for events. Those wishing to use the venue and its stage must complete a form issued by the Fest’Napuan Committee. Additionally, individuals must arrange payments with UNELCO for water and electricity usage. A standard fee of VT12,500 applies for full venue use, including toilets, but utilities remain the responsibility of the event organisers.

The park operates under a special lease covering its entire area. Included in the lease are the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, the Ministry of Justice, the VKS, and the Vanuatu National Council of Women (VNCW). This lease was designed specifically for national and cultural events in front of Parliament House.

Fifteen years ago, the VKS and Fest’Napuan Committee jointly managed the park, but due to financial constraints, the Fest’Napuan Committee has since taken full responsibility for its upkeep.

All assets within Saralana Park, including lighting and toilets, were installed by Fest’Napuan. Revenue from venue fees is used to pay for maintenance, including cleaning services and a contract with Easy Kill for monthly lawn mowing. Despite financial challenges, Fest’Napuan continues to cover these costs even when revenue is low for extended periods.

A major challenge faced by the committee is waste management. Regenvanu mentioned issues with individuals using the park as a drinking spot and leaving rubbish behind, particularly around nakamals. She expressed disappointment that the littering problem is caused by adults rather than children. To address this issue, discussions will be held with relevant authorities to implement stricter measures.

Regenvanu emphasised that previous notices placed around the area had little impact. With the establishment of Nakamals nearby, the problem has worsened.

She urged the public to respect the park and keep it clean as it remains a key venue for national and cultural events.