ROMA – STANDARD Lesotho Bank and Habitat for Humanity Lesotho joined hands to build a house for a man who has been suffering from arthritis man for three decades.
Makhaola Pontšo, 65, has been built a two-roomed house worth M70 000 in his home of Ha-Rampoetsi in Roma.
The house was handed over to Pontšo on Tuesday. Pontšo, who never married and does not have children, had no surviving close relatives.
He is unable to move without help. For years he has lived in a dilapidated house belonging to some neighbours.
In her remarks Habitat for Humanity’s national director ’Mathabo Makuta said Pontšo was “not just vulnerable but disabled in way that he was using his hands to walk”.
Pontšo’s wheelchair had completely destroyed and he could no longer use it hence why he walked with his hands.
“This house marks the five years friendship and a fifth house we render in collaboration with Standard Lesotho Bank,” Makuta said.
“In a short description of his house, he was living in a paddle of water due to leakage of old rusty corrugated iron sheets. This state was very unbearable for him, bearing in mind that it is winter season,” she said.
Standard Lesotho Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Mpho Vumbukani told thepost that the whole plan started last month with haste to finish construction before mid-winter.
Apart from funds the bank donated to build the house, the Standard Lesotho Bank staff contributed M10 000 towards Pontšo’s daily needs.
“Through the study, it was noticed that Pontšo was vulnerable and unable to generate income for sustainability,” Vumbukani said.
“Standard Lesotho Bank staff raised M10 000 to buy the man blankets, bed and grocery,” he said.
Representing the Pontšo family, Khauta ‘Mota said he is well related to the beneficiary hence he can tell more of the man’s troubles.
’Mota said the man wasn’t born disabled but in his 30s he became sick and was diagnosed with arthritis “which knocked off his feet”.
Frustrated, Pontšo lost his sanity and became so aggressive that he started breaking everything including his windows and public taps in the village.
In his own words Makhaola said he walks faster using his hands. “I was once a normal person when I was a young man before sickness could knock me off my feet,” Pontšo said.
“I am glad there are still Good Samaritans outside there who are willing to help. I am speechless and thankful to all the people who made this plan a success,” he said emotionally.
Senate Sekotlo