Continious strong wind currently affecting Western Province since the past weeks have disrupted farmers and market vendors from the nearby islands to avoid traveling to Gizo.
As a result, there is a low turnout of vendors at the town’s main market.
The rough sea conditions have prevented small craft operators and rural farmers from traveling into Gizo to sell their produce.
Vendors who normally supply garden crops, vegetables, fruits and fish said it was too risky to make the trip by outboard motor canoe.
Most vendors are normally from Kolombangara, Ranoggah, Simbo and Vella La Vella.
Due to transport difficulties brought about by the unfavourable weather, fewer market produce have reached the market stalls.
Residents noted that root crops and vegetables were in short supply, with only small quantities displayed on tables.
The limited supply has also pushed prices up.
At the moment only market vendors from around Gizo island are currently supplying vegetables and fruits.
Local authorities have urged boat travelers to take extra precautions when traveling during strong winds and rough seas.
Vendors and residents are hopeful the weather will ease soon so that normal market activities can resume.
Meanwhile, in communities such as Tophill and Malakerava, the strong winds also caused damages to their properties, with several trees being brought down by the force of the gust. Residents living on hilltops reported feeling the full brunt of the bad weather.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
