Vendors currently operating at Fugalei say they are not returning to Savalalo, despite the market’s official reopening, citing past instructions to vacate the area and a lack of direction to move back.

Several stallholders told the Samoa Observer that uncertainty, lack of clear communication, and established customer flow in Fugalei are among the reasons they are choosing to stay.

“We don’t want to go back to Savalalo, where we were told to pack and leave because they were undergoing the car park construction there,” said vendor Tina Tuuaiga.

Vendors were initially moved from Savalalo to allow for infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a new car park aimed at improving access and congestion in the area.

However, now that the project has been completed and the market reopened, many traders say they feel more secure remaining in Fugalei, where they have re-established their businesses.

“We’re staying here because no one told us to leave since we relocated here due to the car park construction at Savalalo,” said Saumalie Sione. “We are aware that it’s officially reopened, but we’re doing fine here. We have customers here.”

The hesitation highlights a broader concern about communication between authorities and vendors, as well as the challenges of relocating informal businesses once they have settled into new locations.

Some vendors say they have invested time and effort into rebuilding their customer base in Fugalei and fear losing income if they return to Savalalo without assurances of consistent foot traffic.

The situation raises questions for market authorities about how to encourage vendors to return and how to balance development projects with the livelihoods of small business operators.

Officials have yet to publicly outline any measures or incentives to facilitate the transition back to Savalalo.