100+ Freshwota vendors trained on scales
February 17, 2026 10:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
More than 100 market vendors at Freshwota Field have completed training on the use of weighing scales and standard pricing, in a move aimed at improving fair trade practices across Port Vila markets.
The training was organised by the Bureau of Price Monitoring and Consumer Affairs (BoPMCA) on 12 February 2026 at the Freshwota Field NTM Hall, bringing together 106 registered vendors. This included over 70 vendors who travelled from Nguna Island to sell produce there and also took part in the training.
Training covered price calculation using the official list, practical use of digital scales, and preparation for compliance with the forthcoming Official Order.
The session forms part of the Bureau’s 2026 plan to ensure all organised markets adopt scale-based selling. Vendors were taught how to calculate selling prices using the official BoPMCA Price List and how to correctly operate electronic weighing scales.
The programme follows a notification issued in January 2026, preparing vendors in markets including Korman, Manples, Seaside, Main Market, Anambrou Park, Freshwota Park, Freshwota Au Bon Marche, Chuan Tagabe Market, and Teouma Bridge to begin using scales.
The BoPMCA is also working with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to complete legal documentation to gazette the price list and issue an Official Order that will make scale use compulsory across markets.
BoPMCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lissie Taura said the strong turnout reflects vendors’ readiness to move toward fairer trading systems.
“It is important to support vendors so they can trade fairly while continuing to meet the food demand of the population living on Efate, both inside and outside the Central Business District area,” she said. “Vendors have shared that many people work in town and rely on local food. The Municipal Market Master also noted that using scales ensures farmers receive proper payment, while customers pay the correct amount charged by vendors.”
Community leaders, including market administrators and women’s club representatives, also attended, demonstrating cooperation between national government, municipal authorities, and rural communities.
The BoPMCA thanked participating vendors and the Freshwota community for hosting the training, describing the initiative as part of ongoing work to promote fairness across Vanuatu’s markets.
