SHP dad earns living as a cobbler in NCD

By MAX KILIWA
WARI Vele Duma, 70, from Ialibu-Pangia in Southern Highlands survives in Port Moresby by mending shoes, sandals and slippers.
The father-of-six who now has five grandchildren does this every day, except Sunday.
Duma, from Limbu Aku village, came to Port Moresby in 2001 and has been since involved in fixing footwear top support his family.
Duma tried selling betel nut which got him into trouble with the law.
He remembers spending nights in police station cells around the city.
Duma decided to stop selling betel nut.
He, therefore, decided to learn how to mend shoes.
He charges customers according to the size and quality of the shoes and the work involved.
He charges between K5 and K20.
He lives with his wife after his children got married and started their own families.
Duma said competition was tougher now because many had picked up the skills of mending shoes.