Polokwane Municipality hands over house to Adams family

An elderly Westenburg woman and her grandchildren really experienced the meaning of inspiration, compassion and Ubuntu after their home was gutted by fire more than a year ago and Polokwane Municipality and the local community reached out to the destitute family and caused the ruins to be refurbished.
The house was handed to Christina Adams by Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng at a ceremony on Friday. The plight of the Adams family was brought to Nkadimeng’s attention by the branch of the ANC and the ward councillor, Hafiz Shaikh.
“Building this house was not an easy project and required more donors. Except for knocking at the doors of the donors and requesting assistance, the municipality did not spend a single cent towards the building of this house,” Nkadimeng said and thanked the different businesses who made the construction of the house possible and all the residents who contributed in different ways to keep the family afloat during a difficult period. “I’m grateful that it was through your generosity that together we have been able to be part of changing the life of just one family for the better,” she said.
Speaking to the owner of the newly built house, Nkadimeng said: “Granny Adams, God has a mysterious way of doing great things. The day the house was gutted by the fire there were screams and cries from everyone, but look at what stands behind us today as we celebrate,” Nkadimeng said.
The handing over of the house was preceded by a cleaning campaign in the area that was led by the Chief Whip of Council, Mamedupi Teffo and the Speaker, Mariri Ralefatane. The campaign included clearing of the waste at the transfer station and along Buys Street, painting of speed humps, refurbishing of the community park, fixing of water leaks and maintenance of street lights which is continuing in the ward. Nkadimeng said that all these things are possible when the community partners with government because gone are the days when residents thought by littering they create employment. “If you litter you create filth for your area and eventually you think somebody is not caring for you,” Nkadimeng said.

Story & photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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