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Many bus attendants working for Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) in Thu Duc City lost their jobs at the end of June when the city stopped bus services to curb the spread of Covid. |
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Since Cuong lives alone, he only has a few clothes, a mini gas stove, a sleeping mat and a few jugs of water. |
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In the past four days, Cuong and three other bus conductors got jobs as construction workers at a site four kilometers from the bus station. |
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At 5:30 p.m., after returning home from work, Cuong cleans his "house", bus number 53, which usually runs from VNUHCM to Hong Phong Street in District 10. |
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Similar to Cuong, after work, Thach Cham Pha took advantage of his free time to plant some vegetables to incorporate into his meals. |
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Pha's dinner mainly comprises fried leftovers from noon. On the bus, he has installed a rice cooker, fans and blankets. |
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After finishing dinner, he takes a shower and washes his clothes at 6:30 p.m. |
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"Every day, I only dare to spend about VND50,000. I also have to save money to buy medicine. In the past few months, I have been supported with some food by donors. |
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Opposite to Pha's bus is the "home" of Tran Phu Quy and his son. |
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Since the inside of the bus is stuffy, conductors often go to the park nearby to relax or go for a walk. |
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"Life here is very boring. If it rains, I will go to sleep early at 9 p.m.," Pha said. |
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Quy sleeps on the floor and lets his son sleep on the hammock. Since his bus is new, the doors can fully close so there is no need for a net. |