"There is nothing that soothes my soul more than putting a smile on someone's face." These were the words of Musina Mayor Mihloti Muhlope after she handed over a temporary housing structure, blankets, and groceries to Bethuel Mammburu of Maramanzhi village, near Masisi.
The unemployed Mammburu was left homeless when his mud hut succumbed to strong winds some months ago. Together with his two kids, Mammburu was staying with neighbours soon after the disaster. His plea was made known to the mayor through local community leaders.
Mammburu explained what had happened on the fateful day when his mud hut was reduced to rubble: "I thank God because we managed to survive without any injuries. What pained me most is that I lost everything because I was more concerned about saving my life and those of my kids. Even my greatest treasure, my two goats that I used to tie next to the hut, did not survive."
He said he was thankful that he had received assistance from the mayor. "The temporary house I received here today is better than nothing at all. At least I now have somewhere to lay my head with my kids. These gifts will go a long way in giving me courage to face life with determination. Although I receive a child support grant for my two kids, sometimes it becomes difficult to buy all the food we need here at home. The food donation is a huge boost to us - hence we don't have enough words to thank the donors."
Mayor Muhlope urged businesspeople and interested community members to help in building Mammburu a proper house while the municipality awaits an allocation from the provincial department.