Ohlen Mataso Flea Market to become an annual event: Chadrack
July 23, 2024 11:39 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Terence Malapa.
Residents of Ohlen Mataso and Ohlen 72 and 73 Streets took part in one of the largest and most prosperous one-day flea markets on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
The main theme for the Ohlen Mataso Flea Market is to build a safer community through women and youths.
Apart from various activities, one of the highlights before all began was the handing over of a wheelchair to an elderly lady whose leg was amputated. She was also a stallholder during the event.
Activities that highlighted the event included a Billiard competition, Island shirt/dress competition, coconut grater competition, bicycle competition, kids’ corner, and performances by various musical bands.
Residents were pleased with the range of goods on sale, including food, clothing, trinkets, and other items. Overall, it was a great opportunity to shop at a one-stop shop right at their doorstep.
Adams Lucious Chadrack, the committed young community member who initiated and funded the flea market, thanked all of the community leaders who supported him in achieving a successful event.
“It’s always great to support locals, and to see happy vendors and customers,” he said.
“It’s really cool and nice to see the turnout of food vendors, clothing vendors, and a wide variety of other items, including baby products.”
Prior to the flea market, Mr. Chadrack, along with Port Vila City Council (PVCC) Councillor Davis Namburu, managed to negotiate with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Minister of Infrastructure to have the road in the area graded.
Mr. Chadrack said the event will take place every year.
He revealed that nearly VT1 million was spent during the preparation and on the day itself. He thanked all the sponsors who supported the event, which helped many residents make a profit during the day.
The sponsors were Minister Marc Ati, Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Iauko, MP Ishmael Kalsakau, MP Justin Ngwele, MP Gratien Chadrack, Councillor Marie Louise, Councillor Davis Nambaru, Jonah Mesao Lawyers, Andrew Bal Lawyers, Netvol Construction & Joinery, Stuart Kalmet, and Fernando and Elizabeth Shadrack.
