The government of Lesotho has earmarked M6.5 Million for re-roofing and re-construction of 283 houses, which were destroyed by this month’s windstorm that hit districts of Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s hoek and Quthing.

At least 879 houses in the four districts had their roofs blown off while others collapsed during strong winds that were experienced early this month. The beneficiaries classified to be in need of immediate response were identified during Tornado Emergency Vulnerability assessment.

The District Administrator for Mafeteng, Mr. Teboho Lehloenya said 246 beneficiaries are in Mafeteng, Mohale’s hoek and Quthing and added that local contractors will be engaged to do the work.

Speaking in a meeting between District Administrators (DA), District Disaster Management Officers (DDMO) and Contractors for Quthing, Mohale’s hoek and Mafeteng and Members of Parliament representation, Mr. Lehloenya said the government through Disaster Management Authority (DMA) would purchase materials and deliver them to the concerned village whiles contractors provide technical expertise.

He said a two roomed house would be built for families whose houses collapsed, adding that M60.00 would be paid per square meter for re- roofing and M10, 500.00 for construction.

Mr. Lehloenya said the contractors would be expected to hire unskilled labour from the concerned villages as a way to address problem of unemployment.

The District Administrator has appealed for loyalty and professionalism among the contractors when executing their work.

The contractors commended the government in its effort to assist the needy and as a result appealed that their payment claims should be processed in time to avoid any inconvenience.

Member of Parliament for Mohale’s hoek, Mr. Thabang Pheko recommended that payment of the contractors be treated in a special way so they could pay their labourers on time.

The construction and re-roofing work is expected to start and end this month.

Source: LENA 15/01/2008