Man, 37, Works Hard for Son’s Brighter Future
Bula boss, can I carry your bag to the bustand? These are the words wheelbarrower, Lemeki Roko, would frequently ask people who passed by with their groceries and luggage at the Suva Municipal Market.
The 37-year-old Nairukuruku, Naitasiri villager has been in the wheelbarrow business in Suva since 2015.
He says this had been his means of earning money for his wife and 16-year-old son who live in Nadi.
Mr Roko, who could not continue his education after completing Year Eight wants his son to complete his education, graduate and one day become a school teacher to educate other underprivileged children.
“I don’t want my son to face the same fate and struggle that I have been through. I work hard so my son can study and become a schoolteacher,” said a proud Mr Roko.
He said he worked on their family farm in Naitasiri for two days a week and is in Suva from Wednesday to Saturday with his wheelbarrow.
COVID-19
The second wave of COVID-19 has affected wheelbarrowers around the country.
For Mr Roko he said due to the lockdown earning enough income to survive was impossible.
The lockdown due to pandemic imposed unimaginable impact to wheelbarrow boys income and Roko was not spared also.
“I use to make around hundred twenty to hundred fifty dollars for three days, but during the lockdown even earning fifty dollars in three days was hard.
“Life is not easy for any of us, the wheelbarrow boys, we all have our own struggles, families to deal with. Despite the struggles we come with hope for a better day and income every day.”
Hope
Robbed of a day’s income, often abused physically and verbally by people and questioned by Police frequently is something most wheelbarrow boys face.
But Mr Roko says this does not stop him from supporting his family.
Meanwhile, Mr Roko said: “The lifting of containment borders and the $360 Government unemployment assistance helped most of the wheelbarrow boys, and I am hoping for things will normalise soon.”