Manono islanders have welcomed the reopening of church-based bingo on Saturdays with one mother saying it also provides income for her family.

The Government last week relaxed state of emergency (S.O.E.) orders, which included approval for bingo to be played only on Saturdays.

The greenlight for the game’s return has elated Manono-tai resident, Victoria Sola, who told Samoa Observer her family will benefit when they resume their playing of bingo at Manono-Tai E.F.K.S.

"Our family plays bingo at the Manono-Tai E.F.K.S bingo. This game helps us in raising our kids and taking care of our families. If we get any luck with our papers then we get food and also income,” she said.

"The game was our only source of income so when the S.O.E. orders stopped the bingo, my children turn to fishing as a means of getting income and to put food on our table.”

Mrs Sola, who is a mother and a grandmother, is among the island’s fervent bingo players before the S.O.E. declared in late March shut the door on their favourite game.

According to the wife of the Manono E.F.K.S Church Minister, Mesi Ieremia, the church bingo on Saturday was their first since the S.O.E. orders were relaxed.

"Every Saturday we have our bingo at night time, but since the Government has allowed it but only during daytime. Today is our first Saturday since it was announced last week that games are going to be opened," she said.

The bingo game hosted by the E.F.K.S Church also attracts players from other church denominations. 

"The bingo is the only fundraising our church does so this is a huge thing for us, and we are very happy that it is now open. Our small island likes to play bingo so I guess they are really looking forward to today's game," Mrs Ieremia added.