Residents of Lakena are now just praying for this difficult period to quickly pass – Shandil

A resident of Lakena Number 2 Hill in Nausori, Sailesh Shandil who is also a Hindu priest says residents are now just praying for this difficult period to quickly pass as many people are going through daily challenges as they are at home without any wages for the last three weeks.

He says they have around 142 houses in their settlement.

Shandil says many residents from his area are laborers.

He says the residents are also worried as some people from Lakena have tested positive for COVID-19.

A resident of Vunimono, Nausori, Rajat Chaudhary says while it is hard to stay inside their houses as they all have a habit of moving around, people cannot afford to breach the lockdown rules as our lives are at great risk.

Chaudhary who also operates a shop in Vunimono says they are experiencing a very quiet weekend and people are mostly inside their homes, while some are engaged in backyard farming.

He says they are aware that some people from their area have tested positive for COVID-19 and are requesting authorities to consider extending the lockdown for the safety of everyone.