Father wants their own electricity connection

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 January 2018, 12:00AM

The expensive cost of living is the reason some families cannot afford to have their own electricity connection. 

Tiula Leituala from Samatau knows the feeling.

The 44-year-old father told the Village Voice team that despite him and his wife being employed, their budget is not enough for the installation fee.

“We need our own electricity; we are currently living off our relative’s power,” he said. 

“I am looking for a way to have our own. To have electricity in our home would cost us $500, back then it was $300 now $200 has been added on.”

Mr. Leituala says their water tank spares them from water woes.

He said he gives money to his relative nearby for supplying them electricity.

He shared that he works throughout the week and his wife works for two days, and even with the money they earn, it is not enough because they have family commitments, tithing’s for the church and also family obligations.

“I work as a grounds man and my job is very hard because I battle with the sun’s heat every day and regardless of my situation, I still work because my family needs it.” 

“Luckily I have only one child who is now 18 and she attends Leififi College, and with school resuming soon, there are also some things which I will be investing in such as bus fares, her lunch and also school uniforms,” he added. 

Mr. Leituala says the only thing they need is electricity and with the prices of goods these days, he believes if he does not work, he would not be able to provide and support his family.

He says there is no need to increase the cost of living any further because it will only make life worse for families such as his.

By Nefertiti Matatia 20 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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