Family’s home situation not helped by Cyclone Gita

By Nefertiti Matatia 14 June 2018, 12:00AM

Maleifua Mataia is in need of a better shelter.

The father of three from Matautu Lefaga lives in a small fale with his son.

It was badly damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

It tore the tarpaulins they had  been used to block the rain. As a result, all their belongings were drenched.

Even though both he and his son work, they still struggle financially and it is the reason that his house has still not being cemented.    

The father said he is dreaming of having a better home.

“We have been living here for more than 10 years now and we have worked hard to reach where we are. From a roof that was made with coconut leaves to iron roofing.”

“I work and with the money that I earn, but at the end of the day, we have commitments to our family, to the village and also the church that we serve in.”

“I live here with my son while my other two children live with their mother at Saanapu, so every now and then they would come and visit and I would want them to come and stay in a more stable home,” said Maleifua to the Village Voice team.

Though he is employed, he still not able to fulfill the expectations from all the responsibilities and to improve living conditions.

“All that we would ever want is a proper home for our family. Anyone would want to come home to a place that is secured and comfortable to spend time with our whole family.”

“No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night to pull down the tarpaulins when it rains. My son usually sleeps in a wooden shack that we have extended from the house that we have built.”

“We don’t have any tarpaulins anymore because they have been damaged by the cyclone so we have taken it down and use it as a carpet for the floor.”

“We sometimes sleep on flat hard stone floor.”

 Mr. Maleifua is thankful that there is water supply at his home.

For anyone who is willing to help Mr. Maleifua and his family, contact 7278419.

By Nefertiti Matatia 14 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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