Bulou enjoys what she does daily
MARKET vending has been a source of income for Bulou Tamani since 1989 at the Suva Municipal Market.
The 56-year-old says although there has been a lot of changes, challenges and struggles over the years, she enjoys what she does daily.
“There are a lot of good and fun memories with other vendors,” she said.
“Some that I’ve started with have left or migrated and only a few are still here. There was a special kind of bond that we shared and everyone looked out for each other.”
Mrs Tamani sells all kinds of produce from cucumbers, lettuce, chillies, eggplants, ginger, tomatoes, coriander and even root crops.
“If business is good, in a day I could rake in about $300,” she said.
“What I love about what I do is that I’m my own boss and everyday I earn money. This money has helped me to pay our bills (both water and electricity, pay for my children’s education, put food on the table and also contribute to the church or village soli). All of my produce are bought from middlemen from Sigatoka, Navua and some from Nausori market.”
She vends from Mondays to Saturdays from 7am.
“There’s been an abundance of cucumbers sold in the market this week and it’s good to see people buying a lot of fresh vegetables,” said Mrs Tamani.
“I would encourage people to continue to consume vegetables regularly especially during a pandemic.”
According to the website healthline. com, cucumbers have a lot of health benefits.
“It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions,” reported the website.
“Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fibres, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss. Because cucumbers are composed of about 96 per cent water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.”