Expensive cost of living in Samoa

By Sarafina Sanerivi 23 January 2017, 12:00AM

“The cost of living is getting really expensive.”

That is the opinion of Pani Ainu’u from the village of Fagaloa. 

Aged 51, Pani explained how high the cost of living has risen in Samoa and how it is affecting many families.

For Pani and his family, they always struggle trying to stretch the little money they get every week for all their family needs and wants.

“I work as a security guard and I can tell you that I don’t earn that much,” said Pani.

“To tell you the truth, sometimes when I get my money on Friday, it finishes up really fast even before Sunday. 

“This is because we all know we have to prepare for Sunday and also we have children to feed and bills to pay.”

He went on to say that his main concern is that the price of goods keeps going up. And he is worried about the future.

“If we are struggling now, imagine how life will be for our children? It will be difficult for them too.

“The way I see it, the price of goods keeps going up and the money we get is just not enough.

“Not only that, but the thing is, it takes time and a lot of effort for you before you get promoted. But for some of us, we’ve been working for so long but we still get the same pay.

“I know this is one thing that is making life hard for a lot of people in our country.

“Most of us are struggling trying to budget the little money that we have to take care of our families. I know there are some families who are not going through the same, but I know there is struggle and hardship in Samoa.”

Said Pani, his family is doing okay. They live a simple life and they are also happy.

“However, the main challenge we face is money. It’s hard to stretch the money I get for my pay to provide for everything we need.

“Because as we all know, in Samoa, we have other obligations as well. 

“And especially with school starting soon, it will just make it difficult for me and my family.

Moreover, Pani said he is grateful to God for blessing us with good lands.

“Sometimes, we depend so much on the land to provide for us.

“Especially in terms of food, we can get food from our plantation, and sometimes sell it as well.

“You know we all serve a loving God and he is good. He always provides.

“But the reality of how life is in Samoa nowadays, it is getting more and more expensive.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 23 January 2017, 12:00AM

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