Saten Lal, 55, of Colasi, Rakiraki moved to Suva in 2000 to find employment to build a brighter future for himself and his family.
Sitting in the sweltering heat waiting for someone to hire his carrier Mr Lal says, “I have come a long way in life and would give my wife the credit for supporting and standing with me on this journey,” he said.
Growing up on the farm Mr Lal and his six siblings helped their father plant dalo and other root crops.
Reminiscing on his time on the farm he said that was one of the best times of his life as all the siblings were together and things like groceries and clothes were more affordable.
“Those were fun times, we were carefree and full of joy and laughter but I had an interest in driving from a young age.
“So when a family member suggested for me to move to Suva I didn’t hesitate.
“My first job was as a truck driver for Ashabhai & Company Ltd, after this I moved to other places to drive and in 2010 I bought a carrier and started driving from the Suva Carrier Stand.
Mr Lal says sometimes business is slow as it is now, and this makes things difficult for him.
“This is supposed to be our peak season but strangely it is not so this year. It is obvious people are struggling financially.”
He added that there are days when he doesn’t get any job at all and returns home empty handed.
“But this does not discourage me as I know I am better off than many people.
“We hear in the news that the poverty rate is increasing in Fiji and many of our people are struggling to survive.
” I am very fortunate that my wife and children supported me to build the house we are living in now and we are not paying rent which is a big relief in this trying times.”
Mr Lal whose two children are working and independent says that one of the most challenging times for his family and many others was during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Everyone went through a tough time during this period and so did we but thank God, we did have some savings which saw us through.
“I have learnt to be happy with what I have in life rather than wishing for things that are not possible or far fetched.”
Comparing the cost of living to when he was a young boy in Rakiraki he said, “Now days the price of everything has gone up and at times it becomes very hard to cope up with the rising costs of goods and services.”
Adding on to voice his concern regarding the capital city he has grown to love he said at times he is sad to see the state of Suva City compared to 15-20 years back.
“Two issues I would love to highlight is the state of Suva City in terms of waste disposal and potholes in and around the bus stand hoping that the government can fix this,” he said.
