Life can always be better.

So says Selei Ioelu, 21, of Faleaseela and Gagaifo. Married with two children, Selei and her husband are both unemployed.

Their main sources of income are fishing and the plantation.

“My husband is 21 years old but he works really hard for our family to make sure that we meet what we are expected to provide.

Up until now, farming and fishing have been good to the couple.

“What we get is enough for us to go on everyday. Our basic needs are met but we can always do with a bit more money.”

Aside from money, life is pretty good for the young couple.

Their only other problem is water.

“It has been a problem for a long time now,” she said. 

“The government water does not reach the area where we are staying. Our pulenuu sent a request to the government years ago for water and they responded by promising a water project in our village. 

“However, up to now we haven’t seen any signs of water nor have we heard any news from them about this project.”

Selei is grateful for the well in their village that provides their water supply. 

Still her dream is to one day turn on the tap.

 “We are in desperate need of a water tap.”

The young mother is also concerned about the impact of unclean water on her children.

 “The changing patterns of the weather can affect the water that we are using at the moment,” she said. 

“So therefore, it would be better if we have clean water running through our taps. Our lives and our children’s health depend on it.”