Afitu Tala is in need of water supply. 

The unemployed father of five from Aleisa shared his concerns about the great need for water supply.

“We depend greatly on rainwater that is stored in our water tank,” Mr. Tala said. 

“It doesn’t rain often and we would struggle to look for water elsewhere. We mostly ask our neighbours to help us out.” 

He said water is not only for consumption, but for other purposes such as bathing and toilet use. 

“Up until now, the water supply has not reached our home. Due to the lack of water, we built a pit toilet in place of a modern toilet.”

Mr. Tala migrated from Savaii to Upolu to seek employment.  

“I saw an opening advertised on the Samoa Observer for a worker needed to cultivate the land,” he said.

The land which they are currently staying on is a government leased land and they only pay $400 a year. 

For 20 years, the father claims he supported his family by obtaining income through cultivating the land. 

“I used to sell crops in the market to earn a living for my family,” he recalled. 

When the Village Voice team visited Mr. Tala’s home, he was on bedrest due to back injury from overworking in the plantation. 

Mr. Tala’s family depends on one of his daughters who is employed. 

He also addressed his concerns about the high cost of living. 

“Due to the high cost of living our family is struggling with our sources of food.” 

For anyone who is willing to help, please contact Mr. Tala’s family on 7232592.