Hard working, struggling, single

By Ilia L Likou 09 December 2017, 12:00AM

Working hard is the life of Vili Vili.

He is a single 41-year-old man from Fusi Safata.

“Life isn’t easy anymore, the high cost of living is killing us every day and that’s the truth,” Vili said.

“I quit my job a long time ago and then I started looking into something different like what I’m doing today – serve my family (tautua aiga).

“I believe 99 percent of families in the country face the same problem with money and hardships.

“What I’m talking about is that in Samoa, when we make a wrong decision because of the high cost of living that we’re facing now, our families will suffer.

“There’s no doubt that many are suffering today because of the cost of living and the lack of income.”

Vili told the Village Voice team yesterday that salaries did not match the high cost of goods in the country and that life was very difficult.

“That’s the reason I quit my job,” Vili said.

“The truth now is that many can’t afford to live off their wages, and yes, life is hard.

 “But there’s nothing much we can do.”

He believes that God has blessed Samoa with food, but the income for many is not enough to cater for daily necessities.

“What I’m trying to say is how our people struggle in life because of low wages, the cost of goods and services is increasing and their salaries are not enough,” Vili said. 

“I think that’s why many quit their jobs; some prefer staying home and helping their families.”

He said that was the reality many families were facing today. 

What should be done?

“The government should step in and help us and to experience what many of us are going through in life.

“I mean, I don’t want to go in detail to explain what’s happening now in my family because we are all living the same nightmare.

“The only time we see money is when we get paid and that’s it, but when it comes to fa’alavelave, church and village obligations and other stuff, then that’s another burden.

 “That’s not a good thing,” Vili added. 

He also encourages those who are working and those who are searching for jobs to look for other ways to support their families too.

“If we wait for the government to help us, it will take ages but what I’m doing now can also be a message to those who are struggling to provide for their family.

“There’s always a way out,” Vili said. 

By Ilia L Likou 09 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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