Family shares about water problems

By Nefertiti Matatia 28 June 2018, 12:00AM

Ati Tavita from Faleasi’u is in need of a water tank.

The mother of eight shares her biggest challenge is having 10 people in her family with poor water connection.

For as long as she remembers, the shortage of the water supply has always been a constant problem for their family.

She told the Village Voice team they would spend more than $100 a week to buy water.

“The problem with the water supply it goes off for a week and a few days. It is challenging especially when there is so many of us living together.”

“It is so hard for us to carry out our daily chores such as washing the dishes, making our meals. Having access to water makes everything much simpler.”

“Not only that, but having to buy water everyday it costs us a lot of money and we are already struggling to earn a living.” 

“I feel for my three young children. I don’t mind my older children because they are old enough to look after themselves,” said the 60-year-old.

There are certain times when the water comes back on and it is dirty, which is not drinkable or even be able to cook their food.

Life for her has not been easy ever since the passing of her husband. She has to make each decision alone for the welfare of her children.

“I have three children who work and support our family. Even though they are employed, it doesn’t cover everything that is needed at home.”

“There are so many of us and that is also including their spouses and their children. Each water gallon that we buy is $20 a day. We have to buy one every day because it is not that big.”

“My three children that work it cost them to go to work and come. Everything nowadays deals with money and having money would be able to get you home and going to work,” she added.

The house they live in is a half built Samoan fale. 

“As you can see, half of the roof uses iron roofing while the other side we use coconut leaves to cover it. There is nothing more that we could do about it.” 

“We always need to budget so we would be able to save money to get water. As much as we want to fix the house, how are we even able to survive without water?”

For anyone who is willing to help Ati Tavita, contact 7264428.

By Nefertiti Matatia 28 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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