Fugalei family plagued by flooding
When Tauia Saupo Amoni and her six children moved to Fugalei two years ago, they were not aware of the dangers posed by the constant flooding to her home because of blocked waterways.
She told the Samoa Observer that even the slightest amount of rain would lead to flooding of their compound.
Her house is located between two large waterways between the Public Service Association building and the White House Hotel.
"Land Transport Authority (LTA) promised to help. We have visited them four times, but they haven't done anything as of yet," she said.
"It has been terrible for my family. The road to our home is constantly flooded and when the water recedes, there is always mud in front of the house."
To get to Amoni's house after or during rain, people have to wade through ankle-deep water. The other problem the family faces is trash and plastic waste which is left behind by the constant flooding.
The family said it was a health issue.
"The smell of all the trash enters our house and I can assure you that it makes us sick. We also have a big issue with mosquitoes because the blocked waterways is a breeding ground," said Amoni.
It has been a big chore for her husband every morning to clean to reduce the number of mosquitoes and the stench. He always gets up at four in the morning to remove all the trash that has become lodged in the filthy water, which makes the situation worse.
"We were strong and capable of doing anything when we first arrived, but as you can see, I am growing old and ill due to the dust and stench that were present everywhere because of the nearby flooding.
"Furthermore, you can see the amount of mud in front of our house. I'm worried that this situation may become worse and may eventually prevent us from having a way back to our house."
The flooding is not limited to the family's home. This particular place is where the road also gets flooded in Fugalei when it rains. This has also led to potholes on the road.