Water shortage a common issue

By Talimalie Uta 19 August 2017, 12:00AM

It is hard to believe that its 2017 and the lack of water and electricity still exists in Samoa

The question is:

 Why has this become a common issue these days? 

For Gaoa Semi, 50 of Tuanai Tai, knows it well because his family experiences the same issue. 

Mr. Gaoa told the village voice, he can live without electricity but for water, it is a must. 

The 50 year old expresses his concerns to the Village Voice, about living in forestry area without water. 

“This has been happening for a very long time now; to be honest it has become very tiring…”

“Most of us living in the coastal part of the village have plantation in the forestry area.

“And this is where we get most of our earnings from, our plantation. Therefore, how can we develop our agricultural estate if we don’t have water,” said the concerned citizen. 

“Something has to be done.”

Moreover, the 50 year old elaborated on how their Village Mayor and Member of Parliament have sent a request to government for water supply long time ago. However, up till now, they still haven’t got any answers from them.

“Our pulenuu requested the government to fix our water pipes, to allow the government water to reach our homes in the forestry areas.

“And to date, we have not heard from the government. “This is their priority, yet it appears our plea has fallen on deaf ears. 

“It is very disappointing because we have been waiting for years for a miracle to happen,” he said. 

For Gaoa the plantation is what his family relies on most of the time. “Water is vital, it is a daily necessity and people need it for living in this world and so as plants. 

“In order for their crops to grow well, water is very much needed.

“Well I don’t really care about not having electricity because there are many other ways to get the light in the dark. 

“I wish I could say the same for water. Water is vital to me and my plantation. 

“We have been urged by the government to utilize the lands yet they are not doing their part.” 

According to Gaoa, their only option to get water is the rain or fetches it from families living in the coastal area of the village. 

“As you can see, I’m getting old and my strength is not the same. I hope the government will consider our plea on this newspaper and act accordingly,” said Gaoa.

By Talimalie Uta 19 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>