Low pay is bad, no water is worse

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 24 April 2017, 12:00AM

In the village of Savaia, Lefaga,  Matu’u File, 31 and his family struggle to get on with their lives.  

He explained the situation his family is in. 

“You have come and have seen that I am a poor father,” Matu’u said. 

“We used to live at Lauli’i however my wife and I decided to move here to make use of our land.

“With the state of our house, I just need help to build a proper house because I want my family to have a proper place to live. I have many children. 

“To be honest no one in the family works, but I earn money from helping out in my uncle’s business. “Even though the money is not enough, it’s just sufficient for the food for the family.”  

Matu’u says that it is also just enough especially with his children’s schooling expenses. 

“We don’t have anything else to rely on and whenever we have money, it usually does not last till the next day. 

“We have a plantation where my children are tending right now to help out the family. 

“I have four children, two are in school and they are our every day priority.

As to how they stretch their income, Matu’u said, “We have about $100 a week and it’s not enough. 

“It only covers about three days and that’s it. The cost of living is just too expensive right now. 

“When we run out of money, then we just have to eat taro and drink laumoli. 

But their main struggle is the lack of a regular water supply.

Every day, Matu’u and his 9 year old daughter are walking around in search of water.

“It’s our daily routine to look for water because the water pipes don’t reach our house. 

“The best place to look is the coastal areas where the water cuts are less likely to take effect.  

“There we get our water.

“With one bucket we go back and forth maybe four or five times every day. 

“This is hard work and we hope that this problem will soon be solved.”

If anyone who wants to help, Matu’u and his family can be contacted at 7275601

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 24 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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