Father remains resolute as family rebuilds after devastating fire

By Nefertiti Matatia 06 May 2018, 12:00AM

Life hasn’t been easy for Letoga Filimalo Amosa.

The father of two and his family at Fasito’o Uta have had to live in a shack like shelter since their house was destroyed by fire. 

Makings things even more difficult is that he is unemployed.

Speaking to the Village Voice, Mr. Amosa shared the challenges of having to start again from the ashes. 

 “Our house was burnt and ruined by somebody,” he said. “So it has been tough trying to rebuild again.”

“The only thing that remained standing was the foundation of our house. So we have then built this current house.”

The 54-year-old said they have had to relocate there.

Mr. Amosa is grateful for his family members who have helped him with materials for his house. 

“There was no electricity but we asked for help from one of our relatives, that is why we now have electricity.”

“I am hoping that there will be a time when a proper house will be built because my daughter is not getting any younger. We need a place that is safe and secure.”

Mr. Amosa shared to the Village Voice team their family relies on the land and to make it through each day is a miracle.

“I used to work but what had happened is that our plantation was not making any progress. There is barely anyone in our family. It is just me, my wife and our daughter who is still in school.”

“We live of the land and my wife has gone to the market to sell our crops. It is hard work but we still do because we need the money for the following day.”

“There is no one to work the plantation,” he said.

“Our eldest child is in Australia. He lives there now to seek better opportunities. It was my wife’s cousin who took him in.”

“With us here, every time we have obligations and commitments that we need to do, we work extra hard.

“Whatever money we earn from the market, we mostly spend it on buying our food and things like that. We mostly wait on the heavens to answer our prayers.”

Mr. Amosa also raised issue with the safety of the water. 

“We need to make a proper home and iron roofing. The tap water here does not work, so we rely on our water tank. The problem is the roof is all rusty and I am thankful that we are not getting sick from the water tank.” 

For anyone who is willing to help Mr. Amosa and his family, contact 7727881.

By Nefertiti Matatia 06 May 2018, 12:00AM
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