By Kefiloe Kajane
It was an emotional moment last Saturday when 73-year old ‘Mapoopa Phomane and her grandchildren Mpho and ‘Mone received a fully furnished two-roomed house built by Maluti Mountain Cement and the office of the First Lady with the help of Lesotho Defence Force engineers.
Phomane of Ha Lesala village in Semonkong had been living in a rundown mud and rock hut with her two grandchildren who are living with disabilities.
A very emotional but ecstatic Phoomane thanked all the stakeholders who participated in the building of her house, expressing her gratitude to them.
She said she was happy that when she dies, she will leave behind a decent house and that will make her have dignity. She also enthused that her grandkids will also have a house that they can be proud to call ‘home’.
“I have never in my life experienced such happiness. I give all glory to God. I have never received so much love from so many people; it is overwhelming. I want to thank you all and I hope you will extend your helping hand to many other people who are like us,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Maluti Mountain Cement, Lehlohonolo Lephema said they are happy that they could help the family as it is their way of giving back to the community that supports them.
He said they are pleased the Phomane family will now have a decent home like any other family.
At the same occasion, the minister of social development ‘Matebatso Doti said her ministry will chip in by taking one of ‘Mapoopa’s grandchildren to a ‘home’ that will enable her to learn how to be self-reliant.
She paid tribute to ‘Mapoopa for looking care of her grandchildren who are living with disability despite all the challenges they have been facing.
“Going forward, we will be working closely with the family until they can get to a point where they can be self-reliant. We are also looking into setting up an office in this village, that will work closely with the community to respond to and address any social challenges,” Doti said.
