Asenaca enjoys being a market vendor
ASENACA Adi vividly remembers how she would assist her father after school to sell seafood at the Suva Municipal Market. She was a Year 9 student then.
“I actually enjoyed it,” she said.
“And I learned a lot from him. So whatever tactics he taught me has helped me today with my own market business. I sell nama and lumi — one plate of nama costs two dollars and a heap of lumi costs two dollars as well.”
The 56-year-old is from Namuaimada Village, Rakiraki, Ra. She has four children and three grandchildren.
She and her family have been in Suva since the lockdown and reside at her sister’s place in Wailea settlement, Vatuwaqa. This is their only source of income.
“I’ve been a market vendor for almost 20 years and I enjoy what I do because it helps me provide for my family,” Mrs Adi said.
“So far, business isn’t going well for me. Business is slow during the weekdays. And with the lockdown and curfew time — the market is empty on most days, so it’s hard to sell my produce.
“I would be so blessed if I’d get a customer or two in the morning. Otherwise, I will have to gather everything that is left and sell them the next day.”
Mrs Adi says the nama is brought from Rakiraki to Logani and transportation costs $150. Then, from Logani to Suva is $50, so a total of $200 is spent only on transportation. “Busy days are Fridays and Saturdays,” she said.
“It’s a bit difficult for me because the market closes at 4pm so we have to be out of here by 3.30pm.
So whatever I’m not able to sell throughout the day, I keep them properly to sell the next day.”
Her only advice to other vendors who are facing difficulties is to be thankful in all circumstances.
“God will always provide — keep the faith.”