Government developments shine but it’s useless to us

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 07 September 2016, 12:00AM

“The government has some beautiful developments, everything shines but it’s useless to us,” said Iosefo Fruean of Luatuanu’u.

Iosefo and his wife Loimata Fruean have been living in Luatuanu’u for more than 10 years. 

The couple live in a simple Samoan house on the side of the coastal road at the far end of Luatuanu’u village. 

According to Mr Fruean he said despite all the beautiful developments by our government in terms of family support they get none. 

“We earn our own living,” said Mr Fruean. 

“We don’t depend on the government to earn a living, only those who are working for the government, ministers and members of parliament they are the ones who are benefiting from the government but not us.” 

“Especially us living in the rural area, we turn to our own families for support, but hardly the government.” 

“Only the prime minister’s family will also benefit from his reign as leader of the country but not you and me.” 

Asked about the Member of Parliament of their constituency, Mr Fruean said he is an individual voter. 

He said the only time the MPs would show their concerns about the families of the constituencies is before the general elections. 

According to Mrs Fruean she said another hardship that they are going through is dealing with many faalavelave. 

Mrs Fruean said it’s hard for Samoans because it’s our culture. 

“It’s our service to our family that we serve them with love.” 

She said it is our culture why we feel that we are obligated to do these things.  

Apart from dealing with many family obligations, Mrs Fruean said everything in their family is good. 

“We live by ourselves, but our children are the ones who are supporting us every-day.” 

Mrs Fruean said there are times when they are in need but they are working hand in hand with her extended family. 

“My families are very supportive, sometimes I don’t have anything, but my sisters are always around to offer their support and help.” 

“There are times, God shows his mercy on us,” said Mrs Fruean. 

Mr and Mrs Fruean have seven children and most of them reside overseas. 

“We can’t rely on our children overseas all the time because they have many bills to pay, we are lucky that we are living in a free life in Samoa.” 

“Our land is free we get free houses and our live is simple unlike our families overseas.” 

The couple attends the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Mrs Fruean was grateful to the support they received from their church. 

“Sometimes our church offers their help especially families who are struggling, and the bishop and his helpers will lend their support in any way they can.” 

“Us women we have a Relief Society and the society targets the families who are in need, sometimes they extend their support to families from different churches.”

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 07 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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