A mother of four has commended the decision made by Government to lift the ban on buses.

Suiga Iakopo told the Samoa Observer that this is good news for her family because it means she can go back to work.

“When the State of Emergency started I was unable to travel to work,” she said.

It has been two weeks since she has been unemployed.

The mother of four lives with her husband and children in a small Samoan style home located further inland with no road access.

“I work as a housemaid for a family in Siusega but my only means of transport was through the use of buses," she said.

“Being unemployed for the past couple of weeks, it became a burden financially for us. My income was usually used to pay for food supplies, electricity fees and other commitments through the church and village.”

Despite being 56-years-old, the elderly mother continues to work to provide a living for her family.

Earlier this week, Ms. Iakopo reached out for help by calling the Samoa Victim Support Group’s (S.V.S.G.) Helpline requesting for some form of assistance.

While sharing her story, she cried and thanked S.V.S.G. for donating food supplies that has helped their family.

“My family and I are truly humbled and grateful for the supplies we have been given, I don’t know anyone that can just help others not expecting anything in return.

“We are blessed to have food this week and not have to go to sleep worrying on where to get food from. I pray that God blesses all those kind hearts that have helped others in need.

“It is true we also depend on our plantation but we have other needs, my daughter is pregnant and we are also looking after her.”

She added that with buses operating again, she is overjoyed because it means she can finally go back to work.

“It would also mean there could be some form of income coming in to care for my family.”