At the start of 2018, all a family living inland at Tapatapao want is a water tank.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Alofa Tufuga, said this would help them greatly since they don’t have access to running water.

He says most families in his village have endured the problem for so long.

“I had wished for this day to come so that I can voice my frustration because my family is one of those who are in need of help in terms of a water tank,” he said.

Mr. Tufuga said he has raised their situation several times with the relevant authorities.

“All they’ve been telling us is to wait,” he said. 

“And now look, it has been a year and we still haven’t received any response from them.”

Mr. Tufuga adds they have paid for their water to be installed, but they are still waiting.

 “I don’t know for how long we can wait.”

The father of two says he drives to his uncle’s place at Vaitele to fetch water.

But having a water tank could change all that.

“Sometimes when my car breaks down, I would walk to our pastor’s place to fetch water,” he said.

“It’s a long walk, but I have to because my kids are still young and I don’t want my wife to walk there because it’s too far and you know nowadays it’s very dangerous even in broad daylight.”

Mr. Tufuga adds water is life and living without water is like living without air.

“It’s a real struggle. There is a government water supply tank just up the road from us, but I haven’t gone to ask the ali’i ma faipule here whether we can use it,” he said. 

“That is why I went straight to the authority because I know they are the main office to visit. 

“I was told it takes up to two weeks for a new installation, but it has been a year already and we are still getting all sorts of excuses from these people.

“I always wonder what if it’s their family member who is applying for a new water installation; would they wait for a year?

“I don’t think so; it will only take maybe a week to put in their request.”