“I have lost my husband and have no children but Abiy ‘my son’ has built a house for me” said Bayush Biyadegelgne, one of the elderly women residing around Aware River, in the capital Addis Ababa.
“I had spent so many sleepless nights in fear of not waking up safely the next morning, especially during the rainy seasons. If I had children, my life might have been different and abled to lead a better life. I had already lost hope and waiting for God’s response”, said the woman.
Fortunately, she was destined to receive a modern house filled with full home furniture from the Prime Minister. She noted that she had never dreamt of living in such house.
Almost all of the elderly people who made their lives alongside the Aware River were poverty-stricken ones; and used to lead a hand to mouth livelihood. Living in a worn out houses which were almost in verge of collapsing to the adjacent river, most had nothing to be proud of or a purpose of life to live it except simply counting down their last days as they had already lost hope in their lives owing to the worst situation they were in.
Just by a single glance at the elderly people whose houses were hanged on the river side in distressing manner, one could easily learn the anguish and anxiety that they have been living with.
In fact, leading a life in the whacked houses with a feeling of uncertainty to wake up safely in the next morning and surrounded by fear comes as no surprise.
Their everyday life was a battle especially in the rainy season where life becomes unbearable not only for them but also for others who are in a better situation.
For the person who happens to witness the risky and saddening life that the people have been leading is not near to be comparable with the heartwarming smile and uplifting spirit that one can grasp from their faces at this moment.
However, as it is said one day everyone will have glory, it was about five weeks ago fortune smiles on this vulnerable group, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had officially launched the summer renovation of houses program in the capital around Aware River. As part of the renovation program, the renewing of eight households was started at the presence of the Premier.
Lately, the PM has handed over the renovated ground plus one house for the eight household owners. The houses which were constructed by the PM initiative and the Republican Guard Members were given to the people.
Another elderly woman, Shewangeziew Gashe noted that she had raised ten children in the already worn out house expressing that she would not regret if she were to die on the day she set her legs in her new house.
“I had no penny let alone to be able to live in this house but to change my bed. I used to sleep with my children on the floor. Now, I am getting older and have seen many things but I am more overwhelmed that my children are to live in a better place thanks to the Prime Minister”, said Girma Wolde the other man whose house has been renovated.
Given the fact that the people have no income, the construction included mini shops that are intended to generate income for the people.
Along with the Republican Guard Members, the Prime Minister donated the revenue generated from the book he published, it was learnt. He also called on all citizens to take part in any activities that lessen the burden of senior citizens.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD AUGUST 31/ 2021
