Tanumalala family hasn’t had running water for 20 years

By Ulimasao Fata 26 September 2017, 12:00AM

Asoau Faitoa, of Tanumalala and his family need help with water.

Speaking to the Village Voice, Asoau said while the breeze and cool temperatures of Tanumalala is a blessing; the issue of water is always a challenge.

“Water access is bad,” he said.

Asoau and his family of four have been living in the area for 20 years now.

They have not had proper running water since.

“We moved here in 1996 and there was no electricity. But we have managed to get access to electricity in the years that followed but we still have no running water.”

Asoau said they are staying on leased land.

“This land does not belongs to us we are leasing it for a $100 per month from the government.”

So how have they been coping with water?

 “Most of the time, we go to nearby villages that has water and get water from filling up our plastic gallon drums.

“Our car has broken and that’s one of the challenges now.”

The family has also asked for help for the government.

Asoau’s wife said life is absolutely difficult without water.

 “We also have a daughter who has seven kids,” she said.

“But because there is no water supply in our house we hardly get to see them because we do not have the water to make food for them as well as bathing them while they’re with us in our place.”

Asoau is hoping that by the re-locating the new prison to Tanumalala, they will finally have a running water supply.

“I can only sit here and dream,” he said.

By Ulimasao Fata 26 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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