Transportation challenges hampers family development

By Nefertiti Matatia 11 March 2018, 12:00AM

Suiga Iakopo, from Tapatapao, yesterday shed light on the transportation problems they encounter on a daily basis.

The unemployed mother of four said it is a daily struggles each child in their village goes through given the fact there is no bus service in the area.

Mrs. Iakopo said her daughter, for instance, walks alone in the early hours of the morning every day just to catch the bus to go to school.

“I feel sorry for her because there is no one to walk with her at 5am and it is not safe,” she said. 

“With so many things happening in Samoa today we always remain in fear.

“I know for a fact that at the end of the day, she will have to walk in the hot sun and it is not just my kid, it goes for all the children of this village.

“She is still young, even though she will be turning 20. As a parent, we worry all the time, especially for our daughters.”

The 55-year-old said the Mayor of the village should be voicing their needs for a bus.

“This is their duty, to continuously ask the Government about what we need and why we need it. 

“All of this is for the welfare of the people in this community, especially the young children who need help with transportation to go to school. We really need a bus.”

Mrs. Iakopo said earnings of one person in their family to cater for eight people and the cost of living is hard enough.

Taking a taxi is not an option. 

“I have two children who live with us, one of my sons and his small family and my youngest daughter who is in the maritime.

“My son is a carpenter and my husband and I work the land. Whenever we sell our crops if we are lucky then we will get $60, if not then it will be less than that and we usually sell our produce in front of the Farmer Joe supermarket.

“Food is expensive, including the children’s school fees such as my daughter who is currently attending Maritime, her school fees is more than $900.

“We also need a water tank because it will allow us to save money. The water bill sometimes reaches $200 a week and that is the kind of money that we barely have.

“The water works but the problem is we are trying to save money.”

For anyone who is willing to help Mrs. Iakopo, contact the number 7287840.

By Nefertiti Matatia 11 March 2018, 12:00AM

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