Dili, November 5, 2024 (Média Democracia) – Nenita Martina da Silva as a trader decided to move from Manleuana Market to the side of the road in Kampung-baru, even though they were always evicted by Dili City security forces, but they continued to sell because they had to support their families.
According to Nenita Martina, she has been selling vegetables at Manleuana Market, but with the relocation of traders to this area, her merchandise has not sold because there are so many traders there.
“I am from Viqueque, Nahareka, currently I live in Manleu. My daily activity is selling vegetables at Manleu Market, but now my merchandise is no longer selling as it used to, because many people were moved by the government to sell at Manleu Market, therefore I decided to bring my merchandise to Kampung Baru so that it is easy for people to buy it.” She said.
She added that currently he is still selling in Kampung Baru but she always hides from the Dili City security, so she is forced to sell when the Dili City security is not on guard because if she is seen, they always damage her merchandise.
“The days when Dili city security guards are on guard are Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 17.00, so we as traders are not allowed to sell on the highway at that time, we have to sell on the side of the highway because if they find out, our merchandise will be damaged, the days when we sell from morning to evening are Saturday and Sunday, because they do not guard, because we know what time they guard.” She said.
She continued, sometimes she feels sad because the security forces of Dili City always come and damage her merchandise so that her merchandise does not sell like Monday to Friday, sometimes she gets $ 50.00 or $ 60.00, while on Saturday or Sunday sometimes it can reach $. 100,00 more because she sells from morning to evening.
To be clear, the security forces of Dili city always chase them away, but as traders, the roadside is where they make a living, so they can earn income to meet the economic needs of their families and their children’s school fees. The activities they do do not make them feel tired and lazy to struggle to meet the needs of their families, even with hard work, but it does not become an obstacle in their daily lives.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano