In 2017, Siaosi can only dream of having electricity

By Aruna Lolani 29 March 2017, 12:00AM

Electricity is regarded as a necessity of life in Samoa today.

It plays a key role in keeping homes and businesses running smoothly.

For Siaosi Tuamahalo, from the village of Solosolo, it’s something he can only dream of.

The family uses lamps when it gets dark. He admits that his family can’t afford electricity. 

Relying a lot on his plantation for food, the 31-year-old says he is grateful for strength to work the plantation.

“With regards to water we are fine but we don’t have electricity at my house,” Siaosi told the Village Voice. 

“We haven’t had any electricity for about a year now and that is our biggest struggle.” 

“To be honest I can’t afford electricity because I don’t have enough to get by a day. We have four children at school and we contribute a lot to village and church.” 

Siaosi’s family is going through a lot. 

 “I as the father of the family always try and keep things together but we still struggle because everything we deal with is always to do with money.” 

“I know we earn money from selling taro and banana to the market but it’s just not enough.” 

Even though Siaosi and his wife don’t make much money, he always get helps from his family and for that he’s grateful. 

“We don’t really have much,” he said. “We have no electricity, we depend on the plantation for living and we try to make end meets.” 

“The saddest thing is that I have children to take care, how am I supposed to help them if we continue on not accessing to electricity?”

“And that’s the truth; we can’t make much with what we have.” 

But at least Siaosi is happy that he is able to help. 

“I’m not a person who depends on others to do the work for us.”

“This is why most of the food we eat is from the land and I know that all I have to do is to continue to work hard for my family.” 

If you can help Siaosi, or know someone who can, he can be contacted on 7733176.

By Aruna Lolani 29 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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