Hanuabada market ordered to shutdown on Sundays amid sanitation, cultural concerns

The Motu Koita Assembly has ordered the immediate shutdown of Hanuabada market on Sundays following growing concerns over unhygienic conditions and the erosion of cultural values in the historic village.

Chairman Russel Simon Wavik announced the closure during an unannounced visit to the busy betelnut trading hub, saying the decision was necessary to restore dignity and respect to Hanuabada.

“Let us restore dignity to our Sundays and remember those who came before us,” Wavik said.

The shutdown, which takes effect immediately, is part of a broader community effort to curb sanitation issues and address negative online attention portraying the market in poor light.

Wavik has pledged to work with police to maintain order during the closure and stressed that the move is not aimed at punishing vendors but rather improving living standards and upholding tradition.

Reactions among residents have been mixed. While some welcome the effort to clean up and protect the community’s image, vendors have expressed concern about losing a crucial day of income.

“This market is our livelihood,” Tau Edea, a regular vendor said. “We respect tradition, but it’s hard losing a trading day.”