Father of five needs help

By Nefertiti Matatia 29 April 2018, 12:00AM

Waking up every day in a rundown shack for 15 years can be very tormenting. 

Faaiu Setali feels just this every day.

The unemployed father of 5 from Tanugamalala is seeking assistance.

Life for him has been tough because their family relies on the land for survival, which is the main reason he cannot leave his place. The plantation is also their source of daily survival.

He spoke about the condition of his house to the Village Voice team.

“When the rain comes, there is no way that we could block it out. The tarpaulin that surrounds the house has many holes and the rain would come straight in,” Mr. Setali said.

“The iron roofing is very rusty because it is a really old house and there are some parts of the house that leaks.” 

“This is the reason my wife and children do not live here with me. They have moved to our other family house.”

“If I am not going to stay here, then I cannot provide for my family,” said the 36-year-old.

His problems do not seem to end there. For a very long time, they have been living without a water connection. It is even worse when it does not rain. 

“I have a water tank and the problem is I cannot drink from the tank without having it boiled first. Since the iron roofing is rusty and old, I cannot risk drinking the water from the tank without making sure that it is safe to drink,” Mr. Setali said.

“It is a struggle when there is no rain because then I would have no water. No water for me to use and no water for my crops and vegetables.” 

Despite having his wife working, the income that she earns is not enough to cover their daily expenses.

“I have three children who attend school and my two younger ones stay home. Education is expensive these days, especially providing for things like bus fares, lunches every day cost money.”

“At the same time, I also have to buy the chemicals for my vegetable garden and things that we need around the house such as our meals.”

Mr. Setali said the past month for him has been challenging because his plantation was ruined by Tropical Cyclone Gita. 

“I really need help with my plantation and crops. I need chemicals and many other things to quickly get back into the market to sell what I’m growing here.”

“This is how we earn a living and that is to sell all of our crops and vegetables. It is my way of helping my family. Life is hard if a person does not work and it does not help with the cost of living nowadays.”

For anyone who is willing to help Mr. Setali and his family, contact 7275959.

By Nefertiti Matatia 29 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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