Sovita Leqeta has been selling crabs along Ratu Dovi Rd in Nadera for nearly 20 years, as this is his main source of income.

He rises early to prepare his sack of freshly caught crabs and travels to Nadera at least twice a week to sell them.

Sovita said his routine is all based on dedication and hard work, ensuring customers receive the freshest catch while maintaining a consistent presence in the local seafood market.

On the days he comes to sell in Nadera, he would catch a boat ride from Laucala in Vutia, Rewa, get off at Bailey Bridge in Jerusalem Rd and then catch a cab from there to Nadera near Nayan’s Supermarket where he bases himself to sell his catch. Being able to sell alongside other bu vendors and crab sellers, he also gains numerous customers who pass by in cars.

“Some of my customers would just call me up to place their orders, and I would come back with their crabs readily bundled for pickup,” he said.

“Each string of crab is sold for around $150 or sometimes less, and the income I earn from this has enabled me to support and provide for my small family.”

Over the years, Sovita has gained valuable experience in the crab-selling trade, managing both the opportunities and challenges that come with it.

Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to his business, viewing it as a vital means to make ends meet.

He highlighted that most men and women from Rewa relied on the sea for their main source of livelihood.

Sovita said like any other business, crab selling had its own set of challenges, but these obstacles had not deterred him from continuing his trade and being loyal at it.

One of the biggest challenges he faces is dealing with unpredictable weather and rough sea conditions.

When the seas are rough, it becomes extremely difficult to set traps, often resulting in poor catches, he explained.

Sovita said this not only affected the supply of crabs but also directly impacted his family’s income on certain weeks.

Despite this, he continues to push forward, adapting to the conditions and doing his best to sustain his business.

Sovita shared that when it was good weather, his business ran smoothly.

Over the years, selling crabs has enabled him to put food on the table and buy necessities for his two children and his wife.

He shared that there were many ways to earn an income and live freely without having someone to boss you around, or be dependent on.

Sovita said in today’s society, there were quite a number of young people just waiting around aimlessly rather than struggle to work and earn a decent living.

“There are so many opportunities out there and we are fortunate to have resources from the sea and the land.

“We just have to use it wisely rather than sit idle at home doing nothing and expecting to be fed,” he said.