Father’s informal sector job supports family

A FATHER of three is selling string bags and caps to support his family in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands.
Issac Kuni Laks, from Alkena village in Tambul, said despite issues with petty crime at the main market, he managed to sell his wares and earn a living.
“I left school in 1998 after completing my grade eight at Alkena Primary School,” he said.
“Since, I have no formal employment, marketing is my only source of income to support my family and I do it every day.”
Laks said he learnt the skills on marketing from his parents when he took over the selling of bags and caps.
“I sell quality coloured string bags,” he said.
The price is not big. I sell them for K70 to K100 depending on the size and pattern.”
Laks said he sold caps for K20.
“In a week, I make between K200 and K300; in a month, I make about K800 to K1000 from my sales,” he said.
Laks said that he reinvested some of his earnings into his marketing to buy new string bags and caps to sell.
He used the remaining money with his family.
Laks said at times youths steal from him but he would continue.