Africa-Press – Eswatini. Five vulnerable families got new houses and food parcels at Ndlandlameni under Mtfongwaneni Inkhundla on Friday.
The beneficiaries were Msibi, Malambe, Shongwe, Nkambule and Sihlongonyane families. The construction of the houses started in January and all have since been completed.
This was a result of a collaboration between the deputy prime minister’s office, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Bible Society Eswatini and Mbabane Highlanders Football Club.
DPM Thuli Dladla congratulated the families for finally receiving the houses.
She said government provided financial assistance towards the fencing of the houses. Dladla, whose family donated curtains to the families, said they would also be given goats, which they would use to start income generating projects.
Also present during the event was Mtfongwaneni Member of Parliament Nathi ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe, who appreciated the kind gesture, which he said was an indication that government cared. He said having so many houses being handed over to the families in just a short space of time was commendable.
“This intervention has seen the five families receiving their houses, food parcels and sponges.
“We greatly appreciate this and hope others across the country will benefit as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbabane Highlanders National Supporters Chairman Kenneth Dlamini said they were happy to be part of this fruitful collaboration
He said the team mainly contributed with man power, despite that they had transport challenges. He thanked the Bible Society for always providing assistance in this regard regardless of the challenging economic times.
The different beneficiaries expressed appreciation and were in awe of what God has done through the collaboration. Lucy Shongwe (64) said she lived with her two children and three grandchildren after their parents passed away due to COVID-19.
She also appreciated that her house was fenced, and the two goats received from the DPM.
“I am in awe of God’s amazing grace. This is nothing but grace at work. God has really come through for me and my family in an amazing way and I am grateful to all of your for making it happen,” she said.
Two Nkambule sisters, Lucy (79) and Gladys (83) were also overwhelmed by emotions as the DPM finally handed over a two-room house to them.
They said they had been sleeping in old stick and mud houses for the longest time.
danced
They sang and danced to show their appreciation to the DPM.
Bheki Msibi who lives with his wife Thembisile (45) and two children shared how their house was destroyed and were assisted by the NDMA, which provided a tent for them to live in while construction was underway.
“I am really happy and as much as we appreciate the tent by NDMA, this intervention is a notch higher,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mthethi Sihlongonyane (82), who had no house, stated that his old house was completely destroyed by rains and the storm, and he had been sleeping in a tent from the NDMA.
“For the first time, we will sleep peacefully with my family.
“Every time we saw the weather changing, we would be worried. Previously, I was sad when it rained because everything would be wet inside the house but today I will rest knowing that I am safe,” he said.
An orphan Ncamsile Malambe said she has been struggling since her early years and was raised by strangers.
She noted that the umphakatsi allocated her land, where her two-room house was constructed.
“I appreciate the youth in the community that took part in the construction of the house. I am happy that the youth also sought fencing for their farming business. The coming of the DPM here has benefitted all of us,” she said.
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