THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has today fulfilled the promise to build a beautiful three-roomed house for 95-year-old Esnart Moonga from Chikankata District, whose humble one-roomed shelter was partially destroyed by a helicopter during a routine operation two weeks ago.
As the house was handed over this morning, the gesture brought tears of joy to the 95-year old’s only surviving daughter as well as ear-to-ear smiles on the mouths residents of Hamikoobo Village of Chief Naluwamba’s area nestled deep in the rolling hills and woodlands of Chikankata District in Southern Province.
About two weeks ago, the ZAF pledged to build a new structure for Esnart after their choppers on routine operation in the area blew a makeshift from her tiny clay house.
While the incident caused pandemonium in the village sending panicky residents running for dear life, the old lady slept in the house thinking someone had come to attack her.
Following the incident, ZAF commander Lt General Oscar Nyoni dispatched ZAF Chief of Medical services, Brigadier General Dr Simon Tembo, to access the victim and promised to build her a new house within 14 days.
And today, the Lt General Oscar Nyoni-commanded Force delivered on its promise.
This morning, Brigadier General Dr Tembo returned with his team to conclude the assignment from his boss, by handing over a house and donated a wheelchair, a bed and mattress, solar lighting, assorted groceries, toiletries, and food stuffs.
As Esnart, who has lost her sight due to old age, was wheeled into her new home by ZAF Brigadier Dr Simon Tembo, her face lit up with joy, and her family and neighbours could not help but smile from ear to ear.
Joyce Makuna, the only surviving daughter of grandma Esnart would not hold it any more but rolled on ground with tears of joy in celebrating the handover of the newly built house to her mother.
Mukuna described the incident that fall on her mother as blessing for the communty although it was not just her family that benefitted from the men and women in the combat.
The entire village was given access to medical services as ZAF under the health department also set up an open air clinic conducting outreach programme.
Accompanied by ZAF director public relations and foreign liason Colonel Mutale Kasoma, Brigadier (Dr) Tembo said Esnart’s story had touched many hearts and that the house built for her was designed to provide her with comfort and dignity she deserves.
“She reminds us all of the grandmothers we cherish. We took the concerns raised seriously and ensured that the new house would blend harmoniously with the surrounding community, while maintaining her peace and privacy,” said Brigadier General (Dr) Tembo.
And Chikankata Constituency area member of parliament Jacqueline Sabao thanked ZAF for making sure that grandma Esnart’s life got back to normalcy.
She said everything that had been provided for her was a confirmation of the commitment of ZAF through the office of the commander and the government to support the most vulnerable members of the society.
Sabao further urged the community to keep looking after one another and working together to improve the livelihood for everyone.
“I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank the Zambia Air Force, for not only constructing this house but for their dedication to ensuring that Mrs. Hachintu’s life is restored to normalcy. Their swift action shows us the importance of taking responsibility and working to resolve the challenges faced by our people,” said Sabao.
Kalemba September 29, 2024.
