Barrow boys enjoy perks of own business
PREVIOUSLY employed with air conditioning technicians and as labourers at construction sites, Gaunavou Delailomaloma shared the same sentiments as his colleagues of the Wheelbarrow Boys Association that being selfemployed definitely had its perks.
“I’m 32 years old now and I started as a wheelbarrow boy way back in 2007, if I recall correctly. I’ve tried other jobs but other jobs just don’t have the freedom that comes with being a wheelbarrow boy.”
Hailing from Mabula, Cicia in Lau, Gaunavou says he travelled daily from Delainavesi to operate a rented wheelbarrow to earn his daily income.
He added that he used the money he earned like any other father to care for his three-year-old son, Joji and his partner who is expecting their second child.
Grateful for a generous grant from Christ Embassy Suva Central Church, he said owning a wheelbarrow saved him extra dollars.
“In this work, it’s easy. If you put in the work, you make money. If you are lazy, you don’t,” he said.
Gaunavou said he was taking life one step at a time.
Also with a baby on the way, he wanted to put in the hours to earn enough to take care of his growing family.
“So if you need a hand, the bili bara boys are here to help. We have our own little organisation now. We are stationed around the city, the bus stand, by the supermarkets and right here on Usher Street. The public using our services puts food on our tables and we can distribute these devotion books to show our gratitude to the church.”