The big virus stress

MASERU-Nteboheleng Mohlotsane, a tenant at a crowded compound in Sea Point, says she tries “by all means” to adhere to precautionary measures for the prevention of Covid-19.

“A number of us (tenants) ensure that the toilet gets cleaned,” she said.
The gate to the compound is locked during the day to limit “unnecessary visits”, especially from drivers operating from a nearby 4+1 rank.
But, with no access to a reliable supply of water, she cannot practise one of the most important preventative measures – washing hands regularly under running water – without breaking “compound rules”.

The landlord, she said, does not allow the nine tenants to wash their hands under running water, she said.
“She believes it is a waste of water,” said Mohlotsane.
To wash their hands, tenants often sneak behind the landlord’s back.
“But since she is always indoors, we do wash our hands surreptitiously so that she doesn’t see us,” said Mohlotsane.

As figures of Covid-19 positive cases spike globally and in Lesotho, people living in crowded compounds where water is scarce are at increased risk.
Some compounds are so crowded that ablution and other sanitary facilities are hardly enough for tenants. In some instances, they are unavailable.
“I resorted to using the neighbouring toilet,” said Rebecca Lenkoane, who shares a compound with over 100 other people at Sea Point said.
“Hygiene is a major problem,” she said.

The landlord is “unapproachable” so getting recourse is a long shot.
“Since I am afraid of her, I do all I can to ensure my safety,” she said.
She said she would feel safer if her landlord implemented a schedule for each of the tenants to clean the toilet.
“It would be for everyone’s safety, there should be tough rules.”
Others, though struggling with sanitary issues, have the more pressing problems of raising money for rent to avoid being chucked out.

Thabong tenant Ts’episo Kherehloa said paying rent has been difficult since he was retrenched from work.
“Dealing with the virus stress and unemployment at once is killing me.”
“I owe two months’ rent now and I don’t even know when and where I will get the money. It is very difficult to find work, even piece jobs during this crisis,” said Kherehloa.

‘Mamorena Moabi of Thibella said she avoids using “too much water” since she hasn’t been paying rent for months now.
“My fear is no longer the virus but hunger. I have children to provide for, how will I do that when I am unemployed?” she said.

She said after losing her job, she had been doing laundry jobs for a few weeks but her customers say they can no longer afford her services.
“I wish people like me can be helped somehow. I no longer feel comfortable as I haven’t been paying rent,” said Moabi.
Some landlords are adamant that tenants’ access to running water should be limited.

Washing hands regularly is a waste of water, said ‘Maseisa Tsoahae, a landlord.
“The (water) bill has increased and I haven’t received any rental income,” she said.

She said her tenants are self-employed and the lockdown has affected their businesses such that three of the tenants were forced to move out.
“It’s been three months without rent and I cannot ask them for money knowing they are not doing anything,” she said.
She said every morning she fills a 25-litre container of water for her tenants to wash hands.
“Before lunch, I empty it twice even though there are not many of us here,” she said.

She said she is in arrears with the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO), which she said “should come to our rescue in these hard times”.
“All we want is to comply for our safety but how can we do that if we can’t afford the bill? All I need is to have basic needs as well,” she said, adding that her bill this month increased from M50 to M107.

“If things go on like this, I am afraid they will close water for us and we won’t be able to comply with the set regulations.”
She said she can’t dismiss her tenants because they have been “loyal” to her for several years.
“Where will they go if I evict them?” she asked.

‘Mapule Motsopa