Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
VILLAGERS in Ward 4 under Matobo Rural District Council have mobilised resources to construct houses for 22 elderly people in their community.
The project is mainly targeting elderly people who are in their 70s and staying in dilapidated homes, most of which pose a danger to their lives.
Four houses are under construction in three villages. Ward 4 Councillor Mxolisi Ncube said he also engaged their community in the diaspora to mobilise resources to build the homes.
He said local community members are providing labour.
“As a community, we have come up with an initiative where we are building one-roomed houses for the elderly people in our community. We have some qualified builders who are working with some youths in the area to build the houses,” said Clr Ncube.
“Community members are also assisting with labour. I have engaged members of the diaspora on this project. We have elderly people who are staying in dilapidated houses.”
Clr Ncube said some of the elderly people stay alone while others live with their grandchildren.
“Our target is to ensure that these people have decent accommodation, which conforms to Vision 2030. The houses will be built in all six villages and handed over to the beneficiaries. They should be up to standard,” he said.
“Even though they are staying in the rural areas, villagers must also have access to decent accommodation. It is a pity that some of the elderly people have been abandoned by their relatives.”
Clr Ncube said diasporans are key stakeholders in the development of their communities.
“We have elderly people within the community who have been abandoned by their children. For example, there is an old woman who is taking care of her nine grandchildren, but her children haven’t been supporting her for the past five years,” he said.
“They dumped their children with their mother and went to South Africa. The old woman is suffering and at times she relies on hand-outs.”
Ratanyana village head, Mr Samson Ncube said the help coming from the community members including those in the diaspora will go a long way in addressing the plight of the elderly.
“It will also help to give the elderly people a sense of belonging. Our elderly persons are an integral part of the community. This project will set an example, especially for the youth that the elderly are a treasure and should be taken care of,” he said.
“They should be respected and the young should tap into their wisdom. I would like to thank the diaspora community for not forgetting who they are and where they come from.” –@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter