Family struggles for water and money

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 08 March 2017, 12:00AM

A day in the life of Temukisa Sefo is not something you’d expect to find in a country that has graduated from the least developing country status.

And yet that’s the sad reality for Temukisa’s family who have to walk a long distance everyday to fetch water.

The 35-year-old is from the Village of Malie. She said their water was cut some five years ago when the authorities couldn’t find “the name under which it was registered.”

Since then, finding water has become an everyday chore.

 “It’s such hard work for me and my children because this is the only way to get water,” she said. 

“Our water was cut off when they told us they couldn’t find the name under which it was registered five years ago.”

“What saddened me the most was that we tried to contact the official whom we registered our water with but the office said no one by that name works there.”

Rainy days are welcomed at their household.

But they dread the long dry spells.

“If there is no rain for the whole week, we pay for fetching water.” 

“We carry our containers to find families that have pipes and then we ask for some water. But that only last for two to three days, then we have to go again.”

Temukisa’s family relies on fishing for a living.

They cannot afford a water tank.

And the money they spend fetching water doesn’t help.

Temukisa’s family also struggles with for electricity.

She told the Village voice the electricity they get is from her neighbor too. 

 “We sell fish and also pop corn to put my children to school,” she said. 

“The money we earn is not enough but we try our best.”

She went on to say people who are employed are luck.

“They can make loans to help with their situations but for us, it’s a tough life. Everyday is a struggle. We work hard but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.”

“And with challenges of not having water and electricity, life is a real hard slog.”

If you are willing to help Temukisa and her family you can contact them on 7751156.

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 08 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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