Wages don’t cover costs says Tupe

By Ulimasao Fata 05 November 2017, 12:00AM

Salaries in Samoa nowadays do not cover the expensive cost of living. 

And Tupe Leiataua, 26, from the village of Si’usega is calling on the government of Samoa to step in and help address this problem.

Speaking with Village Voice team last week, Mr. Leiataua said his wages are not enough to cater for all his family’s needs.

“I am currently working at the Blacknose Bar in Tuana’imato and the salary we earn cannot cater for the expensive cost of living we have here in Samoa.”

Mr. Leiataua said expensive cost of living also resulted in social upheaval in Samoa.

“The high cost of living results in the increasing crime rate we have in Samoa because people are just doing anything they can to earn money even if it’s illegal,” he said. 

“It also results in street vendors’ especially young kids, selling goods late at night around the clubs.

 “Not everyone can afford this kind of life now.

“It is very sad knowing that we are working so hard down here, while other people are just drinking from our pain,” he said. 

As to how others manage who do not have a job at all, is beyond his comprehension.

Others asked for their comments agreed.

“No, we are not starving,” said another man who preferred not to be named, “but not being able to provide for your family’s other needs which require a regular wage, is not a good feeling.” 

“There are so many of us who are unemployed and there are simply not enough jobs to go around.”

“The government has committees and meetings about other less important things than this so why don’t they have committees and meetings on unemployment?”

“We’re not asking for a handout, we want jobs.” 

By Ulimasao Fata 05 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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