Two families who lost their homes in a fire at Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, in 2024 have been given a new lease on life with the completion of replacement homes under the Men on Mission (MOM) initiative.
The homes were officially handed over during a ceremony on Friday, with Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha presenting the keys to the beneficiaries.
Among those receiving a new home is 42-year-old Sharmella Seetaram, who was living at Lot 28, Sisters Village, with her five-year-old daughter and other relatives when fire destroyed the property on October 21, 2024.
The blaze also spread to the neighbouring three-bedroom home belonging to 55-year-old Nazim Gani, of Lot 29, causing extensive damage to the upper flat. A third nearby house was also partially affected by the fire.
Following the incident, Seetaram said officials from the Edinburgh Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) contacted her and gathered information about her situation. She was later provided with a portion of land, while MOM took responsibility for constructing her new home.
For Seetaram, the completion of the house represents more than just a building—it is an opportunity for her and her daughter to rebuild their lives.
“It’s a great help out. This is a big start for me. I am thankful to Government, President Irfaan Ali and others who help me out,” she disclosed.
Gani, who also received support through the Edinburgh NDC, benefited from assistance to rebuild the upper portion of his house.
He expressed appreciation, stating that the assistance provided through MOM has enabled himself and Seetaram to move forward after the devastating losses they suffered nearly two years ago.
