Apart from loss of income brought about by the forced relocation of Nakasi roadside vendors, the issue has also brought about life-changing decisions for some students.
Kalipate Ratumaikoro claims he had no choice but to drop out of school to help his family make ends meet because of the Local Government Ministry’s decision.
His sister, a third-year environmental science student was also forced to do the same.
“I am supposed to be in Year 13 at Uluivalili College this year but seeing the hardships we might have to face as a family, I told my parents I do not need to finish school and I will look for a job so I can help my father take care of my siblings,” the 18-year-old said.
Mr Ratumaikoro said he had no time to fret over his Year 13 results and when The Fiji Times caught up with him, he was taking coconuts and cassava around in a wheelbarrow, trying to earn some dollars while asking around for work.
“My father has just managed to get two tables at the Nausori Municipal Market but business has not been good compared with when he sold our produce at Nakasi,” he said.
“My mother has been selling in front of our home but not many people know we sell here now so we don’t sell much in a day.
“Sometimes, we are forced to give away some of our produce before it spoils or rots. “That is why I decided to take our wheelbarrow around Davuilevu so I can at least try to sell some of our produce.
“My older sister, who was doing environmental science in university, has also decided to stop studying so she can look for a job too. “We will do what we can to help our parents. My younger siblings still need to go to school. “My little sister is supposed to start kindergarten this year but we have not bought her school things yet and I want to help with that anyway I can. “We would like to finish school too but our parents need us right now.”
