Grandma in limbo

NOEL IYOMBWA writes A 79-YEAR-OLD woman of Lusaka’s Chaisa compound, whose house collapsed, has continued living in limbo. Rhoda Njovu’s house collapsed last year during the rainy season forcing the area councilor, Mr Teddy Mwaba to commit himself to be paying her rentals, however the councillor has not been consistent resulting her accumulating arrears amounting to K 3,000. Ms Njovu who fends for herself, following the death of her son has since appealed to well-wishers to help her build a house. She said that the only son who used to take care of her died leaving her a house which collapsed last year.  The old lady says it is not her wish to be a beggar but had hoped to get assistance in making repairs to her home. She also lamented that she had no capacity to pay rent or raise money and so was completely dependent on well-wishers. Ms Njovu said that the landlord at the house where she is staying wanted to evict her for failing to pay rentals. She was given until Tuesday to pay the K3, 000 outstanding arears, while the councilor was only paid a K1, 000. She said that eating has also been a challenge as she only depends on well-wishers from within the neighbourhood. And one of the neighbours Noel Muzungu, said that life for the 79 year old has been difficult as she sometimes stays the whole day without eating anything. Mr Muzungu called on well-wishers to help Ms Njovu with any assistance. “We help her with anything that can afford but it’s not every day. Accommodation is also a big challenge for her because the owner of the house, where she is staying also needs to eat so she wants house rentals. “I am appealing to anyone to help the old lady with any assistance be it food cloths or shelter, “ he said. The Sun