Long before most people wake up, 63-year-old Ruvina Durilala is already on her way to the Nausori Market, travelling from Vuci with root crops and vegetables to earn a living and support her family.
Durilala, who hails from Namosi, has been selling at the market since 2012 and often relies on taxis in the early hours of the morning because transport from her area can be difficult to access.
She says one of the biggest challenges vendors face is making a loss when produce does not sell, especially during slow trading days or when the market is crowded and vendors are forced to sell outside the designated market area.
Durilala says unsold produce can sometimes be sold the following day, but slow business often results in lower earnings for vendors.
She says the rising cost of living has made life increasingly difficult, with the prices of everyday essentials continuing to rise.
VITI INSERT: Durilala on rising cost of living 31st May
She says her family now has to live within its means and make do with what they can afford.
She adds that she used to earn between $100 and more than $200 a week, but her weekly earnings have since declined.
The mother of three says two of her children have helped her with the business over the years, while her third child is now married.
She also says social welfare assistance helped her support her children when they were younger, but the assistance stopped once they turned 18.
Despite the challenges, Durilala continues to make the journey to the Nausori Market each day, determined to provide for her family.
