The Tauasa family of Safotu finds happiness in life's simple pleasures but for the family-of-eight a lack of water is an everyday struggle that looms large over their otherwise happy existence. 

Surviving without a proper house and car is doable, the family says, but without access to good and clean water, life can throw up serious obstacles.

For Fetineia'i and Fa'afouina Tauasa of Safotu making use of their scarce supply of clean water to accommodate the needs of their family-of-eight proves to be a daily challenge. 

"No matter how big or small your house is, it doesn't really matter as long as there is love and happiness," the 37-year-old hardworking mother said. 

"For us, we appreciate the simple things we have and that God has sent for us. We mostly depend on the land and sea for everything, especially as we raise our children and take care of our parents. 

"It's not like other people residing overseas who do not work in offices. They resort to all sorts of things to earn money because they don't have or own lands of their own. 

"That's why we are very fortunate, so I must never complain or say that life is hard in Samoa because we have been blessed in so many ways." 

However, she did not hesitate to express her family's need for their own water tank. 

"We have asked other organisations for help, if they could provide a water tank for our family. But still, up to now, there is no help. 

"Access to water is limited in our area and it's been like that for so many years. So during the rainy season, we store rainwater in buckets and other containers. 

"That's one thing we are struggling with at the moment."

Moreover, living near a river that is constantly flooding is one of the family's concerns. 

"We would like to relocate, but we know it'll be a lot of work. 

"But we are praying for better days for our family and children. 

"We are quite happy with what we have and as I said before, we are so blessed. Here in Savai'i, we all treat people like family, even though you might not be related to them. 

"But that's what makes our people here in Savai'i very special."

The Tauasa family can be contacted on 7683576.