Diwan Chand has been a cabbie for the past 30 years and he said nothing had impacted his business as much as COVID-19.
He was among hundreds gathered outside the Fiji National Provident Fund’s Suva office yesterday, seeking assistance.
“People are not moving around, people are scared and the business is going down,” the 57-year-old taxidriver said.
“People are not buying and investing at all during this time.
“It is very hard to do or run business now.
“My business has reduced by around 30 per cent.
“Before I used to earn $100 every day but now it is even very hard to earn $25 a day.
“When you compare the fuel cost and running cost — at the end of the day you are left with no profit at all.”
Mr Chand said the lockdown in Suva also contributed to the decline in business.
“Since the lockdown, the situation has worsened.”
He said he used to operate his cab from Kimberley St, Suva, but had not driven for the past 10 days.
Mr Chand added his visit to the FNPF office yesterday was to fill the relevant forms for assistance.
“I am planning to apply for a minimum of at least $500 for the moment, just to help keep me going some way or the other during this crisis.”
Meanwhile, FNPF chief executive officer Jaoji Koroi had said assistance for taxi, minivan and hire vehicle drivers and small enterprise owners had commenced from yesterday.
