Second wave of Covid-19 is the worst
THE past three months had been tough for Sakiusa Tuduadua. Like other market vendors, he says he is feeling the pinch with the drop in sales.
Despite the drop in sales, Mr Tuduadua said he had no option but to continue because his income contributed towards sustaining his household.
In his 10 years as a market vendor, he described the second wave of COVID-19 as the worst.
“We all have seen how this pandemic has affected our income and the supply of produce from farmers and in all my years of market vending this is the worst to have hit us,” Mr Tuduadua said.
He admits that the prices of products from farmers and middlemen have increased and, unfortunately for him, he had to cut back on buying some produce because the price were just too high and has become a huge financial burden.
“No matter how hard things are, I have never given up or opted to stay instead, I choose to come and sell every day.”
Originally from Yadrana Village, Lakeba, in Lau with maternal links to Nukutubu Village in Rewa, he has three kids and operates a mini-market in Delainavesi.
He sells six days a week from Monday to Saturday and begins selling at 7am.
Mr Tuduadua says operating a vending business is something he is not new to since his parents were both market vendors.
“I grew up in Waigasa, Lami and during the school holidays I always help my parents operate our stall,” he said.
“I actually have a stall at the Suva Municipal Market, but after the COVID- 19 pandemic, I had no choice but to look for a place that I could use to sell my produce.
Luckily for him, he was able to secure a spot beside the Delainavesi taxi Base.
Growing up, the former civil servant said he was always interested in operating a vending business.
“I left my job, bought land in Waibau, Naitasiri and used it to plant vegetables, root crops, fruits and even have a nursery.”
Mr Tuduadua said most of his produce were from his farm and fellow vendors and farmers in Sigatoka.
Looking back, he said the situation has also taught him to be content and grateful despite the challenges he encountered.