Licenced hawkers Anthony Balagilala and Susana Fulaga are seeking compensation from Courts Fiji Ltd after the Nina Street accident in Suva last Wednesday.

This is for their properties damaged during the accident when a driver of one of the company’s vehicles bumped into the items they were selling, a restaurant, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old woman.

Mr Balagilala and Ms Fulaga sell socks, earbuds, earpiece and other accessories along Nina Street.

Mr Balagilala said a quotation for their damaged items was drawn up and presented to the Courts Fiji Limited Suva branch manager at Nina Street last Friday, August 11.

However, their quotation which amounted to $1825, was turned down by the company.

“I was asked to bring back the damaged items for proof of quotation,” he said.

“I told the manager that all the damaged items were cleared-off along with the other residues from the nearby restaurant. Along with my business items, was my personal phone which cost $350,” he said.

Ms Fulaga said her husband was ashamed to ask further advice from the manager after they were turned away.

“My husband felt suppressed at the type of response from the manager,” she said.

“We haven’t heard anything else from them, and because we can’t wait any longer, we’ve forked out money from

our savings to buy more socks and other items to keep our business going.

“We did not even receive the taxi fare that was promised to us after the accident. Some of our items were also stolen.”

The duo had been advised to refer their case to the head office.

Efforts to get comment from the Courts Fiji Ltd headquarters were unsuccessful. .

Story By: Beranadeta Nagatalevu

Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj