MORE than 1550 people living in Lautoka and Nadi received taxi permits this week after a barrel draw by the Land Transport Authority.
The successful applicants were part of the more than 5000 people who applied for permits when Government changed the selection process to a lottery system.
Many showed up on July 28 to watch the live draw at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka where among the 1553 fortunate ones were a number of women such as Salanieta Nayaku from Nawaka, Nadi.
She said she had been trying to acquire a taxi permit for the past five years. “I’m the sole breadwinner in our family so this was something that I needed for myself and my family,” she said.
“I support my family through my job but when I have to feed my extended family, I have to look at other avenues to earn money. “Hopefully with this 10-year permit, I will be able to start my taxi business and be able to support my family.”
Another new taxi permit holder was Lautoka resident Zafina Bibi.
“I think that it’s very encouraging that I was given this opportunity to run a taxi business,’ she said.
“We have been trying to find a second source of income and this is one that can help us a lot.”
