The leaking roof at the Fugalei Market is driving stall holders out and causing them to abandon their spots at the once-bustling central market for Apia. 

Worries over bad weather and leaking roofs have lead vendors to appeal to the market-owner, Accident Compensation Corporation, to fix the leaks in order to maintain a healthy environment for the small businesses under their roof. 

One woman, who did not want to be identified, operates out of one of the spaces in the market and told the Samoa Observer that she gets anxious when there is heavy rain as it means there is a threat of damage to their goods.

Gesturing towards several empty spaces, she said “As you can see, some stall owners closed down because all of their belongings were damaged by the leaks from the roof.” 

“For us and our families, we depend on our small businesses for money, for a living, but if this keeps happening our businesses cannot operate anymore.

“That is a challenge for us stall owners here, having to deal with these issues when it rains heavily.” 

Every time there is bad weather, such as heavy rain, the stall owner said they have no other option but to stay put. 

“All our stock, we can’t move elsewhere because every part of the flea market is leaking, so we just clean up and stay.” 

She spoke of another stall holder whose shop was closed down by the police because of dust pollution. 

"All they did was sweep the dust all over and it caused air pollution, affecting people and our customers.” 

Another stall holder, who also didn’t want to be identified, told this newspaper that they have had to put up with the atrocious conditions during bad weather and it was time something is done to address their concerns. 

“I tell you, when it is raining, we barely know where to go from here – even if we decide to move our stuff to the other side it’s the same thing,” he said. 

“Leaking is everywhere, as a stall owner I do care about my products, I know some families do depend on it for their living and it concerns us the most. 

“Not only is it leaking in the whole entire hall, but heavy flooding all over the flea market, and it gives us no choice at all because we have seen that every part of the market is leaking.” 

Due to the leaking, some stall-owners have started using tarpaulin to cover their goods in order to protect them. 

“As for our side (the handicraft section) the numbers of the stalls have been reduced, there are lots of unused tables as people have moved out,” added the stall-owner. 

The Fugalei flea market cost $10 million, is owned and managed by the Accident Compensation Corporation (A.C.C.) and was opened in August 2014. 

The Samoa Observer has sought comments from the A.C.C. management without success since Wednesday.