Life might be a beach for people living in the most idyllic south coast of Upolu but that doesn’t mean it’s a paradise.

Ask Time Timoteo of Saleaumua and he will tell you that all those beautiful feelings about living in that part of the country quickly disappear when you don’t have water.

 “Water shortage has always been a problem,” he said. “We live inland as a result of the tsunami and we have been struggling with this issue since then.”

“I’m grateful for your programme which allows us to voice our concerns. I hope the government sees this so they can help us.”

“I know they are the only ones who should help.”

Time and his family used to live on the coastline. But since the deadly tsunami of 2009, they were forced to relocate.

 “So for now families who are living on the coastal areas have access to water but for us we rely on water tank,” he said.

 “Water is limited. Sometimes, we hardly get water daily, unless it rains.” 

“We are depending on the S.W.A. water truck supply at the moment.”

That supply is inconsistent.

 “The S.W.A. truck supply only comes once a month to deliver us water. It’s hard because can you imagine living without water for such long periods of time?”

Time’s family is not alone.

“Our whole neighborhood is struggling with this.”

“If I have to count, it has been eight years now and yet we still don’t have access to running water.”

“Therefore, I pray that our government will hear our cry and do something to help us. Our families have had enough of this suffering.”

Apart from the water challenges, Time told Village Voice that life in Saleaumua is great.

 “Life is great here,” he said.

“We are used to our routine everyday. We have lots of food and it’s peaceful.”

“We even have a good Village Council and they are doing great.”

Time is a married man and a father of two. 

He works at Aga Reef Resort.

“I’m happy that I have a job close to home so I can look after myself.”