BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE— For three vulnerable emaSwati families in Mshingishingini and Hhelehhele, a new house means more than four walls and a roof; it means safety, dignity and a chance to look ahead with renewed hope.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla today handed over three newly built homes to beneficiaries under Ntfonjeni Inkhundla, as Government and its partners continue efforts to improve living conditions for vulnerable communities.
The initiative is supported by the Republic of China (Taiwan), Philip Morris International (PMI) and the Eswatini Government, with the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) also playing an important role in supporting affected households.
In Mshingishingini, 68 year old Gogo Margaret Busisiwe Motsa received a two room house after spending years living with her two adopted children in a stick and mud structure that had fallen into poor condition.
Her new home includes a washroom, cooking area, pit latrine and water tank, giving the family a safer and more comfortable place to call home.
A new chapter has also begun for 74 year old Joseph Phiri of Hhelehhele, whose previous home collapsed, leaving him without a permanent place to stay.
For a year and three months, Phiri lived in a tent provided by NDRMA. Living alone without a regular source of income, he depends on donations and the elderly grant.
Receiving his new home, Phiri said he could finally look forward to sleeping peacefully without worrying about where he would stay, particularly during the rainy season.
“I would like to thank His Majesty King Mswati III, Bucopho and NDRMA for helping me when my house was on the verge of collapsing. Now I can sleep peacefully and have a safe place to stay, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
For 58 year old Dudu Dlamini, also from Hhelehhele, the new house represents a fresh start for her family. She received a two room home as compensation after relocating from a house situated too close to Sokokazana High School when it began operating in 2008.
Dlamini now lives with her daughter and three grandchildren and supports her family by selling fruits and vegetables.
DPM Dladla thanked His Majesty King Mswati III, Taiwan, PMI, NDRMA, traditional leaders and communities for their contribution towards the initiative.
She said the houses reflect a shared responsibility to ensure that vulnerable emaSwati are able to live in safe homes.
“These houses show the responsibility we have to ensure that Emaswati do not continue to suffer. His Majesty the King has sent us to go out and see what Emaswati need, and we must respond to those needs,” Dladla said.
She added that the goal is to see emaSwati living in safe homes, with dignity and hope for a better life.
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(Courtesy Pic)
