Family shares home that’s falling apart

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 25 February 2018, 12:00AM

Living in poverty means asking is a must when in dire need of assistance. 

In Poufa Fitufa’s case, she lives in a home that is about to collapse, a floor with holes and a kitchen table directly placed on the ground. 

However because they are survivors, they manage with what they have. 

“What can you do when finances are never enough to build a proper home?” she said. 

“My husband is the only working person in our household, we have six children and most of his salary caters to my children’s daily lunches and school needs. 

“And we have managed to live from pay day to pay day for the past seven years and while it’s difficult, this is the only form of life we have.” The recent tropical cyclone destroyed their home. 

“If you actually look at our house, it’s tilted towards the right, the poles have given up and the iron roofing was nowhere to be found after the cyclone. 

“Luckily for us we all stayed at our neighbour’s house during the cyclone, and afterwards my husband and some of the boys fixed the iron roofing.  

“So you see our roofing is not really held down by nails, but rather logs and other heavy objects are used to hold it down.”  

Mrs. Fitufa of Afega-uta has two neighbours who do not have a toilet and it’s her restroom that the neighbour’s use. 

“If you see the so call neighbor’s toilet, you’ll probably laugh but this is the bathroom we share. 

“It does not have a water tank and although it’s filthy, we make do with what we have.” 

According to Mrs. Fitufa, giving a proper home with a clean toilet is all she wishes for her six children. 

“If there is anyone out there who has some money that can help us, please find it in your heart to help. 

“For me, this is the only option I have, beg for assistance, because I know for a fact that my husband’s salary is never enough to build us a proper house for my family. 

“You have seen my toilet, it’s unhygienic but again it is all we can afford,” she said. 

Regarding food, Mrs. Fitufa said they have never been short of taro, bananas and breadfruit. 

“So long as there is coffee/tea with bananas, my family can live with that.” 

The mother told the Village Voice team that she prays for a steady house for her children. 

If you want to help Mrs. Fitufa, you can reach her at 772-4731. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 25 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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