Lata ensures cleanliness at the Botanical Gardens
Madhu Lata’s daily routine starts from 5am as she prepares her family member’s daily meals before she departs for work at the Lautoka Botanical Gardens.
The 40-year-old mother of three children is the only female among 17 males in the Lautoka City Council’s Parks and Gardens Department based at the Botanical Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens, located directly opposite the Punjas Children’s Park in Lautoka is also a frequent photo shoot spot for Lautoka residents.
Originally from Nadawa in Suva, Ms Lata had to move with her family to Lautoka 12 years ago to look after her ill mother-in-law.
She worked at various workplaces to assist her husband in providing for their family.
“I worked at Purple Haze Nightclub as an assistant chef for eight years then moved to the Fiji School of Medicine as a cook, kitchen hand and cleaner for close to five years,” Ms Lata said.
“We moved to Lautoka and I worked at the Shop N Save Supermarket as a row and sales girl for close to seven years and then moved to the Lautoka City Council five years ago and I am still here since then.”
Ms Lata’s work as a labourer in the Parks and Gardens Department involves cleaning, loading the rubbish, washing, watering of the garden and planting.
Ms Lata said she is not ashamed of working in a male-dominated field.
“Times are hard. No matter what work you do, the only thing that matters is the income you get at the end of the day,” she said.
She works from Monday to Friday and at times on the weekend.
“I have to always make sure that the gardens and parks are kept clean,” she added.