Lorry Driver Turns Truck Into Mobile Vegetable Mini Mart

A lorry driver, who felt the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, has found an innovative way to use his six-wheeler truck.

With a few alterations here and there, Kamleshwar Sharma has turned the truck into a mobile vegetable and dairy mini-market.

The 50-year-old father of three children can be seen selling near the Tuatua Housing roadside in Labasa.

He’s been doing this with his family since March.

However, it was not until last Saturday that he presented his innovative concept.

He sells fruits, vegetables and fish as well as grog.

Mr Sharma said he invested $2000 to set up this business and he was very proud of his achievement.

“My wife, Rina Kumari, has been my pillar of strength and together we started this business,” Mr Sharma said.

“We leave home at 5am to buy vegetables, fruits and fish from the farmers at Labasa Market.

“By 9am our display is ready and we continue serving our customers till 9pm, seven days in a week.

“I worked as a cook at Labasa Hospital for 15 years and then worked as an attendant for 15 years at Nasea Health Centre before retiring in 2018.

“From 2018 to 2019 during the crushing season, I transported cane to the mill in my six-wheeler truck for some farmers and in return got some money.

“During this pandemic, I thought I lot about my family and what I should do to raise more money as my daughter is in Year 10.

“That is when I decided to use my own resource and skills to set up this business.”

Business has been good so far and he has been praised for his innovation.

“I have been receiving calls and messages from all over Fiji and abroad praising my artwork,” he said.

“I want to encourage those unemployed sitting at home to never give up in life.

“They should find out what kind of skills they have and use it for survival because we don’t  know what is going to happen next during this pandemic.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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