He's been doing this for over 11 years and his excitement and momentum has never changed. He has put his kids through school, even to tertiary education - all through selling from his basket. In this basket of goodies are things like 'bahra' (a snack made from mashed yellow peas), crunchy peas, lakri (savoury sticks made from flour and sugar) and many other things people love to purchase.
Seaqaqa is a little town. And when we say little, we mean it is literally small. Scattered shops, a miniature market, a Police station and organisations such as, cane grower body, a lone shop selling fabric, dresses, pants and a smatter of second hand clothes.
As little as it is, Seaqaqa is a haven of rest for those coming down the hills of Macuata and Bua, making their way to Labasa. It offers them rest from the early morning travels down the hills, along bumpy and dusty roads, a stop to freshen up before continuing on to Labasa.
To the first time visitor, it offers little to nothing and you could be forgiven for being frustrated at the layout of the town and what it offers.
People we spoke to asked for development. For better roads, more shops, a proper bus depot, pavements and a children's park for the children in the community.
Spending a few hours there, interacting with the people brought home the realisation that even though life is hard, there isn't much compared to Labasa and even Suva, yet the people of Seaqaqa are content and okay with life.
A little ramshackle town of sorts. A one stop shop for the rest.
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