Nine Wainividio Settlement Families Survive By Sharing

Nine families in Wainividio settlement in Navua are sharing the little food ration they have to survive amid COVID-19.

Wainikiti O’Connor, 63 and her 66-year-old wheelchair bound husband, Philip O’Connor are among the nine families that rely on their neighbours generosity.

Mr O’Connor said, life got really tough for him and his wife following the amputation of his leg due to diabetes.

“We have been surviving on my Social Welfare monthly pension ($100) and neighbours help us with what they can,” said Mr O’Connor.

Another resident, Siteri Tonga said, most of them have lost their employment following the pandemic.

Ms Tonga said her Vilive O’Connor went to Kadavu to farm a week before the lockdown and could not return.

She said, her two young daughters have not seen their father for more then two months and could only talk over the phone.

Sereana Marama said, the nine families leaving in the Wainividio settlement are struggling and trying to help each.

“We fish and share our catch and whatever little help of food ration donated by some to at least have one meals per day for all nine families,” Mrs Marama said,

She added, that no bad times stays forever and this pandemic will pass too, but soon she hope.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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