While most people are still asleep, Aisea Burelevu Naqa is already on the road. At 4am, beneath the darkness of the Naitasiri highlands, he starts the engine of the “Queen of the Jungle” a Toyota Hilux that has become a lifeline for the people of Rewasau in the tikina of Nabaubuco Naitasiri.
As the vehicle makes its way along the rugged roads towards Suva, carrying farmers, market vendors and their produce, Aisea’s mission is simple, to serve his community.
For the past year, the 4 -seater carrier has been the primary means of transport for villagers after bus services ceased operating in the area.
Bought outright by the mataqali, the vehicle was intended to help villagers transport goods to the market while generating income for community development projects. “The vehicle was bought by the mataqali to help our people,” Aisea said.
“It allows farmers to take their produce to Suva and earn an income while also helping us raise funds for village projects.”
The initiative was expected to contribute towards improvements such as footpaths and other community developments. However, rising fuel prices have made achieving those goals increasingly difficult.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is the cost of fuel.
“A return trip can cost around $200 in fuel alone. At the moment, almost everything we earn goes straight back into keeping the vehicle on the road.”
Passengers currently pay $25 for a trip to the capital, a price Aisea has deliberately kept unchanged despite increasing operating costs.
“I know the struggles our people face every day,”
“Most of them are farmers who work hard to provide for their families. I cannot increase the fare because they are already trying to make ends meet.”
It is a sacrifice that leaves little room for profit, but one he is willing to make for the benefit of the community.
For Aisea, the role is much more than driving. It is about responsibility, service and trust.
“I am grateful to the mataqali for entrusting me with this vehicle.
“It is a responsibility I take seriously because so many people depend on it.”
Driving has been part of his life for more than 12 years.
Before taking charge of the Queen of the Jungle, he spent years behind the wheel of a Viti Minibus operating along the busy Suva-Lautoka corridor.
Today, his route may be different, but his commitment remains the same.
Away from work, Aisea is a devoted husband and father. His wife is from Tailevu and together they have raised four beautiful children.
Two are now employed while the younger two are pursuing tertiary studies at the Fiji National University.
His faith continues to guide him through the challenges of life.
“God has a plan for everything, I always remember John 1:3: ‘Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made. That verse gives me strength every day.”
As dawn breaks and another journey begins, the Queen of the Jungle continues its daily trek between Rewasau and Suva.
At the wheel is a man driven not by profit, but by purpose.
For Aisea Burelevu Naqa, every kilometre travelled is another opportunity to serve his people, strengthen his community and keep Rewasau moving forward.
Aisea’s mission is simple, to serve his Mataqali and his people. Picture: MELI NAGUSUDRAU
