EPARAMA Mototabua sees himself as a hardworking carrier driver from Naqarawai Village in Namosi. He operates a transport business that connects his village community to the busy city of Suva.
Every day, he drives villagers and other passengers to and from the city, ensuring they reach their destinations safely and on time.
He shared that his work is evident in his willingness to start his day as early as midnight whenever there are many passengers to transport.
“On such days, I leave the village around 12 midnight, to head to Suva and return around 1pm the next day, spending long hours on the road to provide for his family and passengers.
Eparama believes the success of his business depends largely on how he treats his customers.
He emphasises the importance of respect, kindness, and good service as the foundation of a thriving business.
He says when passengers are treated with care and friendliness, they are more likely to return and continue supporting his services.
“My understanding of customer service reflects my professionalism and commitment to sustaining a positive relationship with those who rely on my transport services,” he said.
As the sole breadwinner for his family, Eparama says it is his responsibility to work hard and ensure his business continues to operate successfully.
“I take pride in being able to provide for my family through my work and recognise that my determination and consistency are what keeps my business running.”
Eparama said driving has always been his passion—he started at a young age, while in Year 8—and over the years, it has become not just a source of income but also a way of life he enjoys.
Despite the rewards, he says his journey as a carrier driver was not without challenges.
One of the difficulties he faces is when villagers entrust him with their produce to sell in Suva.
He said while he is happy to help, selling can sometimes be tough, especially on days when there are only a few customers.
If the produce do not sell quickly, he and other drivers end up spending long hours parked at the Suva Municipal Market carpark, where parking fees increases the longer they stay.
“This adds financial pressure and reduces our overall earnings from the trip,” he shared.
Eparama said he remains positive about his work.
His transport business has provided his family with a reliable source of income, allowing him to achieve significant milestones.
“Through this hard work, I managed to build a house for my family and buy another vehicle for use in the village.”
Eparama said his business has also expanded to include vehicle hire services for special occasions such as family gatherings, village functions, and other events.
He noted that business tends to flourish the most during the festive season when travel demand increases.
“The holidays is when we get quite a number of customers as people tend to travel a lot and require our assistance in transportation,” he said.
Eparama said his work is more than just a job—it is a reflection of his passion and commitment to his family and his village.
