RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Tears of joy from mother of six, Vijantie Partap after a Good Samaritan offered to provide five months rent to her family while a new house is constructed for the family of eight.
But reluctant to build on the swampy squatting lands off Marvin Crescent, Aripero, Partap is now trying to secure a proper piece of land from the Mrytle Partap Belle Vue Estate on which to build.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Monday, Partap said she was overjoyed.
"I have been praying hard for my children to get a proper place to live and slowly but surely my prayers have been answered. I never stopped praying," she said, wiping away tears.
She added, "It is hard caring for my children when there is no water or lights, no proper place to sleep or cook."
Partap's children have been sleeping on Carib cases and rotted pieces of wood. They have no toys or activity books but do their schoolwork using a sheet of galvanize as a blackboard.
Vijantie Partap walking to with an oil keg and bottles to fill water for her home at Marvin Crescent, Aripero.
Kristian De Silva
Every day they trudge through mud to fill water to cook, bathe and drink. Partap washes their clothes by hand in a bucket of water by a neighbour's house.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, the Good Samaritan who requested anonymity said he and his team were on standby ready to build a house for the family.
He said they have already secured appliances, beds for the children, a refrigerator and a stove.
None of these appliances can fit in the one-room plywood and galvanized shack in which Partap, her common-law husband Shaquille Rawlins and their six children live.
The man said he wanted Partap to get into a business so she can begin to earn an income to secure her family.
"Her husband is getting three days of work from SM Jaleel but this is not enough to mind six children, so we want to set her up in a way that she could take care of them and earn an income," he said.
Since the story was aired, Partap has been receiving food vouchers, hampers and clothing for her six children. Anyone wanting to assist Partap can call 313-5534.