Mother tells of struggles to find water

By Aruna Lolani 21 August 2017, 12:00AM

There are people who can afford to waste a drop of water.

But not for Akenese Ah – Sam of Fasito’o uta. Every drop of water matters.

The 56 –year-old mother comes from a family of five and they reside in an isolated area at Fasito’o uta. They have no access to the water system and that is something they have been dealing with for so many years. 

“I know it sounds untrue when someone says they depend on the rain for water but it’s not, because we are the living proof of the situation.

“In the dry season, when there’s literally no rain for more than a month, we walk all the way to the inner village to fetch water from some of the families.

“We have no vehicle, and because of the condition of the roads there is only one bus, but it only operates in the early morning and in the evenings. 

“We have been doing this for a long time because there was never a solution to this problem; for us who are staying here at the forestry side of the village; the government’s water doesn’t reach us.” Akenese said they are losing hope after waiting two years now following for a group that have promised their family, they will be getting a water tank. 

“As you can see, we are still waiting.

“So these are the gallons that we use to store our water in; this is all we have, we utilize the resources available to us. The tanks are rusty but this will do for us.....,” said the mother. 

Asked why they have not purchased a water tank Akenese said: “you might wonder why we haven’t bought a water tank but to be honest, with our situation, the only source of income we have is from selling our coconuts and our crops.

“In my family are just my husband and my kids so whatever money we earn, most of it goes to the kids to pay for their school tuition. 

She went on about the water issue “I recalled that our village have made a plea on this matter before to the government; but you know no one can rush the government to do their work, so that’s why we are patiently waiting.

“I just pray one day we will get a water tank or help with our water because from where I’m standing; it’s not easy.”

If you want to help Akenese Ah – Sam with a water tank, please contact Samoa Observer’s headquarters at Vaitele on 23078.

By Aruna Lolani 21 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.

>