Shining and repairing shoes on the streets are a business that do not have the necessary support and facilities, says veteran shoeshiner Rajesh Prasad.

Mr Prasad, 65, has spent most of his time on the trade to earn his living.

He is now based in Nadi after years of working in most towns in Fiji.

His customers at the Jetset Town call him Charlie. He is friendly and cheerful.

Mr Prasad calls on Government, as the National Budget Submissions continue, to recognise and support shoeshiners.

He said they should be provided areas and facilities within municipalities to operate from.

“Government should provide better facilities for us instead of sitting on the streets enduring cold and wet conditions,” Mr Prasad said.

“During wet weather we struggle with our business because when shop corridors are wet, we get wet too.

“At times we get sick because of this, but we have to endure because this is for our survival.”

Reduction in cost

He calls for reduction in the cost of shoe polish and other materials required in a shoe-shining business.

“I request if they could reduce the cost of shoe polish because in a day we buy four or five shoe polish cans,” he said.

His business started in Suva before he moved to Lautoka and other parts of the country.

In those places, he lived on the streets.

In the past few years, he moved to Nadi to support his elderly mother.

Source of income

He said being a shoeshiner was his bread and butter.

“This is my life, my bread and butter. This is our main source of survival at home.

“Every penny that I get, I think of my mother who needs medication and support every day.

Mr Prasad said despite living on the streets for years, he had taught himself not to steal food or money from people.

“I have taught myself not to steal food. I would rather eat left-over foods in bins.

“I used to tell other street kids that stealing money or food to survive is not good. It is better to do this kind of business that makes people happy with their appearance.

“The money we get from our hard work allows us to buy our food.

“That food tastes good because we know we work hard and honestly for it.”

He wakes up daily at 3am, get ready and walks from home at Navakai to Nadi Town.

“In the afternoon I walk back home,” he said.

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