Family grateful for rainwater

By Nefertiti Matatia 24 March 2018, 12:00AM

Nuiteu Mapuleolo from Samatau is grateful for rain water.

That’s because it is their only source of drinking water. The water from the tap, he said, is not clean.

Today, the unemployed father of two told the Village Voice they desperately need a water tank.

His main concern is the welfare of his family.

“Water makes a difference in doing chores such as the washing, but most importantly we use it to drink. The tap water is not reliable,” he said.

“There are certain times when it is dirty, which is the reason I prefer to have a water tank. Rain water is the most pure out of all,” said the 64-year-old.

He adds the water supply is not consistent, which is a barrier for them, especially when there are so many people in his family.

“I am from Apolima, but I am staying at my wife’s village. The problem is there are so many people who we live together with. 

“My wife had relatives move in and we have been living together for quite some time now. There are more than 10 of us.

“Usually when the power is off, then for sure tap water will not work too.”

He says because there are many children in their house, there is a desperate need for a water tank.

Mr. Mapuleolo only has daughters, which is the reason he works the plantation alone.

“It is only my son-in-law, who is my eldest daughter’s husband, works. I support my family through working the land.

“For a bag of taro that I sell is $20, so I would sell three a day.”

Mr. Mapuleolo explained: “The cost of living has become expensive. The cost of 1 pound of chicken is costly. Even with the turkey tails, 1 pound is worth $5. If you think about it then it would be 1 tala per turkey tail.

“We really need help because even in the market we don’t earn that much. There are so many other people selling their crops and it is hard to make a profit,” he said.

He also mentioned that both of his children are in need jobs. 

“They have both finished with their studies. If they will be able to have jobs, this will be a great help to our family.”

For anyone who is willing to help Mr. Mapuleolo’s family, contact the number 7286118.

By Nefertiti Matatia 24 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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