29 Jun 2014

A private medical practitioner in Mathangwane has restored the dignity of a 74-year-old needy woman of the same village by heeding the Presidential Housing Appeal's call by building her a one-roomed house worth P20 000.

Speaking at the handing over of the house on June 26, Dr David Tshimanga, who runs a private clinic in the village, said he came to the rescue of the old woman after the heavy rains that demolished her house.

He explained that he was made aware of the old woman’s plight after one of his patients at the clinic called for help on behalf of the woman.

He said at first, he thought it was only a plea for maybe assisting with draining out water from the house, but he got the shock of his life when he found out that the house had been swept away by the heavy rains, leaving the old woman together with small grand-children aged two and five years outside with nowhere to go.

He said it was then that he realised that the old woman needed urgent attention, hence he also pleaded for help from friends and the community.

Although the response was positive, he said it was taking too long for help to come and it was then that he decided to take up the project on his own to have it completed quickly.

Despite the delay as a result of poor service from material suppliers, he said they have since completed the house on time to save the old woman from the winter cold.

Dr Tshimanga added that they will continue to support her with human needs such as food, which they had long started giving her since they came to her rescue.

Meanwhile, the social worker in the village, Ms Kemo April commended the community and other stakeholders in the village for coming to their rescue when they pleaded for help to assist those in need.

Ms April explained that since the heavy rains left about 90 families homeless and until to date some are still housed in tents and Village Development Committee (VDC) houses.

She noted that the situation calls for urgent attention as another rainy season is almost approaching and called on the community, private sector and other stakeholders to help house such unfortunate members of the community.

She further noted that despite having been allocated a budget to build houses for needy people, they are unable to house them all as their numbers surpass the budget, and with help from other stakeholders, she believes that a good number could benefit.

Appreciating the gesture, the old woman and beneficiary Ms Girlie Oracio, who is also diabetic, said it was unfortunate for her to have experienced such situation whereas she has children who could be caring for her but instead they have left her to suffer.

She however praised Dr Tshimanga for the gesture and pleaded it should not only end with her but should be extended to other needy people like her. ENDS