When you have nothing else to do; use your time to work the land.

That’s what Falesa La’ulu of Tuanai and Afega has done.

He was cutting the grass for one of the village chiefs yesterday when the Village Voice team caught up with him.

“This is what I do when I have nothing else to do at home,” the 49-year-old said. 

“I find work to occupy my time and it’s always good to get a little sweat now and then.

“Also I’m the type of person that always feels the need to keep our environment clean and plant different crops for food in the future.”

Falesa used to work at Vaitele. 

He spent about four months working there for the past few years before he left for overseas.

“When I got back; I’ve been taking care of things at home and at the same time; started working the lands and doing little work regarding cleaning up the environment when requested by village chiefs or anyone else for that matter that needs help.”

He said he has a huge family and two family members are working to financially support the family.

“I’m still trying to make something good for myself and it has been two years since this; working the lands and developing a plantation.

“I may not make money but it does help when it comes to feeding your family every day.

“You know you can have a job, you can have a fancy job but that won’t make life any easier. It’s all about hard work and the people surrounding you and how they are helping you.”

Falesa added that they can’t access water in the forestry area they are working in and that’s an issue he wants to address as well.

“I may not stay here but plants and all living things always need water to stay alive and not forgetting; the families that are staying on this side of the village. 

“This is an occupied area with people and we deserve to get water but the government’s water doesn’t reach here.”