Lack of water making life tough

By Vatapuia Maiava 14 September 2016, 12:00AM

They say water is life. 

So what happens when there is no water?

That’s the predicament Isapela Talisua of Vailele-uta is struggling with. On top of the task of making ends meet, the water issue is something she can do without. 

Her family has explored all possibilities for a better life.

Working the land hard and fishing in the ocean is provides only enough to get by every day but that is it. Aged 62, her family also shares a small patch of land with two other families where they try their best to help one another out.

“Right now we only have one male working and he is a fisherman,” Isapela explained to the Village Voice yesterday.

“He is the only one working. We also have our small plantation here that provides a little bit of money for my family.”

Isapela is not shy about what she needs.

“Right now the only thing I need is some lumber to finish off my house,” she said.

“My family is also in need of a water tank because it’s hard for us living in-land when it comes to water. The river is far down the hill and that’s why we need the water tank. My house also needs tin to extend it a bit more because my family has a lot of kids.”

Earning a maximum of $100 a week is just not enough for the struggling mother.

“Some days and weeks are different; we consider $100 a week as a lot,” she said.

“There are many things we need to use the money for so we stretch the $100 and whatever is left over, that goes to looking after the children.”

“Right now life is quite expensive. For the sake of my children, I really want to make a better home for them so they can live happily and also for the well being of my family.”

The family’s only source of water is a river located down a steep slope. “Right now we get our water from a family further in land but if not then my children have to walk down the steep hill over there to fetch some water,” Isapela said. 

“The river is very far down the hill. 

That’s the only thing we need because the water we bring up here is used for cooking and bathing.” 

“My family can’t go down to shower or do our laundry because we must be mindful of the families down the river who also use it so we have to bring up the water to use. That’s our hardship.”

Isapela works very hard but she needs assistance.

“The way I see life is, if you do not look after your family properly then there will be no joy in the family,” she said.

“That’s why I really need help, to help look after my poor family.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 14 September 2016, 12:00AM
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