Mother delighted with job to sell watermelons

By Seia Soloi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM

Keen on some sweet and juicy water melons from Tonga?

Malama Tusa, of Fagali’i, is your lady.

The 40-year-old caught up with the Village Voice yesterday afternoon while she was selling watermelons in front of her house.

The mother of seven said a friend at church offered her a job to sell the watermelons. It’s a job she enjoys doing. 

And because of the fruit’s popularity, it’s a good gig for Malama. 

“The water-melon I sell is not mine but the money I make from my job is very helpful for my family,” she said.

“I get 10 percent of the water-melon sales and it’s good. 

“This is a big help for me and my family especially with our children’s school fees. We’ve got five of them attending school.”

Malama works from home while her husband is a taxi driver. 

Asked about the cost of her melons, she said it varies.

And how are the sales?

“It depends. Some days are good, others not so good but people are always keen on the watermelons.”

The watermelon containers come in every month, she said.

“I find the job very helpful. Not only does it earn my family money, it also gives me something to do.

“I don’t have a job but it’s the least I can do to help my husband.”

Malama said their struggles with the cost of living is not different from anyone else.

“It’s very expensive but what can we do?” she said.

 “There is always things needing money. There’s the water bill, electricity bills, school fees and family faalavelave… so many things.

“Even though it’s expensive, we try our best in every way.”

Lastly, she wanted to thank her Tongan friend for offering her a job.

“I just want to thank them, this money I earn helps our family a lot.”

By Seia Soloi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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