No running water a daily struggle

By Vatapuia Maiava 16 December 2017, 12:00AM

Doing chores and going about your day without a proper supply of water is something that no person wants.

Unfortunately that is the reality for Gigi Lafaele and his family residing in the village of Leulumoega-uta.

When approached by the Village Voice team yesterday, Mr. Lafaele revealed that his family did not have running water which made every single day a struggle for them.

He says this has been a continuous problem for his family.

“I have always wanted to speak to someone about the issue of water in my area,” Mr. Lafaele said.

“The water pipes don’t reach this far up inland and living without a water source isn’t easy. It’s a real issue for some families in my area and I don’t know what to do next.

“It would be nice if the government could give our family some assistance with water because we really do need it.”

Mr. Lafaele added a water tank would be seen by his family as a huge blessing because they would be able to store water for daily use.

 “It’s true that water tanks were given to the village, but most of the families near the coastal areas were the ones who got lucky,” he said.

“A water tank would do wonders for my family at this point. Life in the rural villages is tough at times and when you throw the lack of water into the mix, the daily struggle really escalates.

“Washing clothes, cleaning dishes and doing other daily chores without water is just tough,” he adds. 

Mr. Lafaele explains that his family is blessed when it rains because they get to collect water.

He also said prayers for God to send rain and praises when He does is a routine in his household.

“We would find any way possible to get a bit of water for the day,” he said.

“When it rains, things become a little easier for us because we can store water using buckets but waiting on the rain every time so we can have water is just annoying.

“If we could have any assistance regarding water, it would be greatly appreciated. We aren’t asking for much more than just water.”

Asked on the general life aside from the water issues, Mr. Lafaele said everything else in life was great. But it would be greater if the water issue was met.

“Life in general is simple and great,” he said.

“I manage a small plantation near the house and when we are in need of money then we just sell crops. I also spend much time at the coast catching whatever I can. I also sell fish too when I can.

“On the other hand, I do believe that the cost of living is becoming an issue because as prices go up, we have to work a lot harder to compensate.

“But that’s something everyone in Samoa is facing so there’s nothing new there. The only real issue for my family and me is the water. We are happy that we at least have a good supply of electricity so all glory to God for that,” Mr. Lafaele added.

By Vatapuia Maiava 16 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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