The fear of not providing for family

By Ulimasao Fata 27 November 2017, 12:00AM

Just like any father, Sive’a Amani from Vaitele-Uta  is determined to be a good breadwinner for his family. 

The father of three works as a contracted lawnmower and he spoke about his job to the Village Voice team.

“The money I earn still does not change the fact that life in Samoa is costly.

As a contracted lawnmower he said he gets called out for jobs from one place to another. 

“I make good money out of it like $500, but even with that money, it does not cover all the things that we need in the house and to also look after the kids,” he said.

Siave’a said that he lived with his extended family and just the two of them work as contracted lawnmowers. 

“There are 12 people in my family and it is only just me and my cousin who work. So every time we get paid, we need to split the what we earn,” he said.

According to Siave’a, the money he receives is not enough for him to support his family especially in cases where the client does not pay on time.

“Also it is not every week that we get a call on a job that needs to be done but sometimes when we do get the call the client takes a while to pay up but we don’t have time to wait. 

“The jobs that people call in for are not consistent but this is our only source of income to help our families,” he added.

 “One thing is for sure from my own observations, is that life is not getting any easier. The influx of Chinese people here in Samoa means there are many other establishments of different businesses that are here too. 

“I am not the only one that could be a lawnmower, anyone can be a lawnmower.”

Sive’a understands that everyone is out there looking for money so they will be able to have a better life but for him as a father and the head of the family; it is difficult to turn a blind eye to his responsibilities. 

“If I am going to have less money and we are already struggling, how am I going to support my family? It is the greatest fear that most of us are facing. Not being able to provide for our loved ones,” he added. 

By Ulimasao Fata 27 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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