Kolio’s constant struggles

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 December 2017, 12:00AM

Kolio Penitito, of Nofoali’i, dreads the day when the high cost of living in Samoa will leave people penniless.

Although there are some products that remain affordable, the rising cost of living is a constant struggle for low-income families.

“Come to think of it, there are some goods which we can afford, but it all depends on the shopkeeper how much a product is worth,” he said. 

“You may assume that it will be cheaper since it is delivered here but petrol has also become expensive,” the 50-year-old told the Village Voice team yesterday.

Kolio comes from a family of 10 and he understands the struggle of trying to budget and search for money.

“I don’t work; I stay home to look after my father. There are only three people who work in our family, but they also have families to look after, so imagine having an elderly person at home ? It is definitely a struggle trying to budget everything out,” he added.

Kolio said that everything nowadays is about money. 

“There are bills everywhere that you need to pay, within a household of 10 people, there will be so much water and electricity that will be used. The more water we use in terms of doing the washing and also washing the dishes, the more the bill. When it is time to pay for it and we are day or a week late, then there is interest that we will need to  pay which means more money to be spent. It does not stop there, there is also the electricity bill.”

Through his own experiences, he says the only kinds of farmer swho will prosper are the ones who have cattle, chickens and pigs.

“Those are the only kinds of farmers with confidence that have a backup plan to turn to when the weather is not going so well and your crops are ruined or not ready. 

“Having cattle or pigs, you will have nothing to worry about.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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