Rain or shine, the farmers are willing to brave the elements just to earn money to put food on the table.
That’s the reaction from most of the vendors who this week got news that the multi-million Fugalei Market would again be delayed, this time until the end of May or early June.
That follows numerous delays confirmed over a period of seven months from the contractor, Qing Dao Construction Limited and Site Manager, Lei’ataua Tom Tinai.
These delays ranged from having no power and water at the site, the late arrival of materials to blaming the torrential rains.
Construction work on the market started in the middle of September last year with an expected date of completion in March.
Seven months later however, some farmers are concerned at the effects on their health from being caught out in the varying weather while trying to earn a living.
A typical day can see hours of blazing hot sunshine, or hours of cold rain – or a mixture of both sapping heat and biting chill.
Some farmers concede there are other options available where they could sell their produce.
These food markets were established following public safety complaints about farmers selling on the sides of the road.
But today many continue to be out in the sun to take home earnings to provide for church commitments, children’s school expenses and other family needs.
Toma Tui, of Sataoa, is one farmer who accepts the situation for the time being.
“As long as I’m making money”.
He is one of many that have taken up a spot outside the tin fence surrounding the construction site of the Fugalei market.
“Anyone who wants to earn a living will brave the sun and rain just to make money.”
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He claims that he is not too fussed about the situation.
Asked whether he was concerned for the elderly farmers that have come far just to sell their produce he restated his belief that “it doesn’t matter about the heat of the sun, or that it’s raining, as long as they are getting money by selling their produce”.
An elderly father from Fusi Safata shared the same belief. Maotapule Alesi was placing more taro into bundles after he sold several stacks to a buyer when approached by the Sunday Samoan.
He said that although standing out in the sun and rain is an issue, it’s worth his while when he returns home with money to help fund his family’s church tithe, his children and grandchildren’s school funds as well as provide for feeding and raising of his whole family.
“There is nothing to it – the heat from the sun or if it rains as long as I get money for the family.”
Maotapule also claims if there is one wish from all farmers it’s that “the market is completed in June as we have been told so that we can get some shade and rest” from all the sun and rain.
But others believe it is government’s responsibility to take action against the slow progress in the construction of the market.
Elderly grandmother Siatu Mulivai of Fusi Safata says the Prime Minister should take heed of the farmers concerns raised as a result of the delay in the completion of the Fugalei Market.
She thinks the construction should be hurried up.
“People are having to sit out here in unpredictable weather just so they could make money.
“Besides it was months ago they announced that the market would be completed yet we clearly see that it’s nowhere near finished,” she said.
And being positioned in front of the fence that surrounds the construction site is no relief.
On very hot days the heat of the sun is absorbed by the fence and reflects off them. A
s a result she’s concerned with her health as well as for others sitting nearby her.
Saddened by the delay in the market Ms Tavita believes if the market isn’t completed by June there would be many sick farmers.
“People are only trying to sell their produce to make money” but the task is made even more difficult with the fact that there is no place big enough to house everyone.
She is concerned about the other elderly people out there daily trying to sell; wood, coconuts and luau.
“We are starting to experience health problems because of all this waiting out in the sun for people to buy our produce”.
Tusiga Tavita also of the same village claims that finding a spot to rent in other food markets is money not worth spending. As a result she opts to find a spot out on the street with the rest of the farmers.
“I used to see these people selling their produces and felt a lot of concern and love for them. “
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But I notice that the sun and rain and dust hasn’t stopped them from selling their produce and now that I am doing what they do I understand their efforts,” she said.
Although she has been there yesterday since before the sunrise she has only managed to sell three bundles of taro.
“People are fussy now” she said about customers, some asking about the prices, considering the situation and then move on without a purchase.