The Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Motloheloa Phooko visited villages of Ha Kotoanyane, Ha Ralipere, and Mathebe in Mafeteng, which were most hit by strong winds earlier this month.

Speaking during his visit at the affected areas on Friday where the construction and re-roofing is being undertaken, Dr Phooko said his visit was a follow up to the one that he paid immediately after the incidence. More than 750 households were affected, 203 of which are homeless.

He commended the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) through the District Disaster Management Team (DDMT) for the commitment they have shown in relieving all those who needed immediate assistance of shelter.

Dr Phooko said a lot of progress has been made to date as five houses have been re-roofed and more than six foundations dug.

The District Administrator and also Chairperson of the DDMT in Mafeteng, Mr. Teboho Lehloenya said verification of what should be done has been made by DDMT.

He commended the team for its hard work from the date when the tornado swept off some of the houses in the constituencies of Mafeteng, Likhoele, Qalabane and Thaba-T’soeu.

The affected communities where the construction is being carried out thanked the Government of Lesotho for the assistance it has provided, saying what is being done to them is a miracle.

They said the assistance should be extended to other families who really need it.

Dr Phooko was accompanied by Disaster Management Authority Director, Mr. Haretsebe Mahosi and the District Administrator, Mr. Teboho Lehloenya.

Source: LENA 18/01/2008