Faith Ndou
GUTU-The Gutu community has come together to transform the life of a 78-year-old woman living in dire conditions in Rafomoyo area under Chief Munyaradzi in Gutu Central.
Mbuya Eustina Muduma (pictured in the middle) of Chifamba Village, who is blind had been surviving in dilapidated huts with her sister’s orphaned niece when her plight surfaced on social media. The distress call prompted swift intervention from the community and the Gutu Civil Protection Unit (CPU).
For decades, Mbuya Muduma had lived a lonely life after her marriage collapsed due to childlessness. With no close family members to support her, she relied on occasional assistance from members of her Catholic Church and well-wishers who provided food and clothing.
Her situation worsened when cataracts affected her eyesight, leaving her unable to perform basic chores or undertake menial jobs to support herself and her niece who is a form 3 pupil at Rafomoyo High School.
A well-wisher from nearby Hanesi Village, who chose to remain anonymous, stepped in to pay for the niece’s school fees and provided periodic food and clothing support. The benefactor also financed building materials for the construction of a two-roomed house and a kitchen hut while community members offered free labour.
Gutu District Development Coordinator Chiedza Tafirei said authorities acted swiftly upon learning of her dire situation.
“We provided grain assistance while a Good Samaritan purchased building materials. The community came together to provide labour and other necessities to ensure the construction was completed in record time,” she said.
Gutu Central Member of Parliament Winston Chitando supported the initiative by donating maize, rice and wheat to feed the 13 community members who volunteered their labour during construction.
Tafirei urged community members to promptly report similar cases to the Civil Protection Unit, traditional leaders or councillors to enable timely intervention.
“Mbuya Muduma’s situation had deteriorated to alarming levels. Early reporting of such cases allows us to respond quickly and effectively,” she said.
Beyond housing support, the benefactor facilitated medical treatment for Mbuya Muduma at Morgenster Eye Unit where she underwent successful cataract surgery and regained her sight.
An emotional handover ceremony was held last week as the newly built houses were officially presented to Mbuya Muduma. Villagers and church members sang and danced in celebration of the community’s collective effort.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mbuya Muduma was short of words and could only shed tears as she thanked those who restored her dignity and hope. The well-wisher is also expected to furnish the new houses in the coming weeks.
