Mother urges govt. to reconsider cost of living

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 18 February 2017, 12:00AM

The government needs to revisit the cost of living urgently.

So says Tausala Seniave, 37, of Moamoa and Alafua. 

The mother of two says she is worried that one of these days; people will no longer be able to afford the bare necessities and that could spell disaster for Samoa.

“My first priority is to make sure my two kids are in school and they are well supported,” she said. 

“But what scares me the most is the fact that sometimes me and my husband face so much struggles financially and yet the cost of living keeps on increasing.”

“I tell you the cost of living is very expensive, far too expensive for many people.” 

Tausala is concerned because people are suffering so much.

“The question is what if we can’t afford food? Well we will starve to death,” she said.

“This is something I suggest the government should look at because not all working parents can afford life the way it is.”

Tausala works as a pre-school teacher while her husband works as a driver at the hospital. But even with their two incomes, life remains a struggle.

“The money we earn covers school fares for her kids and what’s left is for food and family contributions.”

“We have access to electricity and water which is sometimes cut off when the weather is challenging.” 

Getting back to the cost of living, Tausala said the government needs to think about the poor people who can barely afford food.

 “I know life back in the days was cheap and I wish we can go back to that.”

 “Needless to say, I hope the cost of living is reconsidered soon.” 

“Because whatever and whenever we try to develop, I know for a fact if the cost of living continues to increase, we will still struggle.”

“It will take a long time before I could afford to do something else aside from supporting my children and paying for food.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 18 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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