Father calls on govt. to help

By Ilia L. Likou 22 September 2017, 12:00AM

The people of Samoa must be strong and stand up to tell the government that they are suffering and they need to help them.

Fiti Leao, of Tufulele, said the government needs to show compassion to members of the community who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

The 50-year-old expressed his feelings during an interview with the Village Voice yesterday.

 “Life is not easy anymore,” he said. “I was born and raised in this country all my life and I have to admit the struggle I am experiencing today is nothing like before.”

Keeping up with the demands and the cost of living is a daily grinder, he said.

He thinks the problem is so serious that many across the country are finding it hard to get by.

 “I worked as a plumber for more than ten years before and that was the only job I had to provide for my family financially.”

He no longer works.

And that’s part of the problem.

“There are not many opportunities available for people. There are no jobs and that’s why many people are suffering.”

It doesn’t help that the government has raised the cost of a lot of services.

“Electricity is expensive, water is expensive and even going to the hospital now is a lot more expensive. Everything has increased but the people’s earning potential is still limited. 

 “No matter how much money I get everyday it’s just like I’m just holding a tala.”

So what is his response?

“I just continue to work hard doing what I can to raise my family,” he said.

 “My one and only wish is for my family to survive and have a better life.” 

 “We have to keep on working with the hope that someday the government will decide to reduce the cost of services and goods.”

He also wants people to be brave.

 “We need to stand together and let them (government) hear us. We have the right to say whatever we want to say because if we don’t what will happen to our families in the next few years?”

By Ilia L. Likou 22 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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