MASERU, Aug. 19 — A house constructed by the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) for a vulnerable household in Lepereng has reportedly been vandalised allegedly by the male spouse in what is suspected to be an act of jealousy.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Tuesday, DMA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Reatile Elias said that the house was handed over to the beneficiary only a few months ago.
He indicated that the house is valued at more than M180,000 and has sustained extensive damage with repair costs estimated at nearly M100,000.
Mr. Elias explained that electrical wiring, the ceiling, windows and walls were among the property damaged during the incident.
He described the incident as a setback to DMA’s efforts to provide decent shelter to vulnerable households saying resources allocated to improving people’s living conditions should not be lost through acts of vandalism.
Meanwhile, Area Chief of Ha Ts’iu Chief Moleko Mosoloane described the alleged perpetrator as a disrespectful member of the community saying he has previously been accused of insulting and assaulting both family members and other villagers.
Chief Mosoloane said that the incident is concerning as it not only affected the household but also undermined efforts to assist vulnerable members of the community.
Some villagers have called for the alleged perpetrator to face the full force of the law with some expressing a wish for him to be detained and if convicted, receive a lengthy sentence.
They said such incidents should not be tolerated, particularly when public resources are used to improve the welfare of vulnerable households.
Ends/NT
