Nobody in his right mind would be likely to oppose the elderly home repair project (see Monday paper). Having especially older persons live in substandard conditions simply shouldn’t be allowed if at all possible.
That students of Milton Peters College (MPC) are being involved in the work is certainly a plus. It will enable them to gain valuable on-the-job experience that can greatly assist them when entering the labour market.
The Minister concerned rightly left the execution of his ideas on the subject to the Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) Department, with input from Youth Affairs. That includes choosing the main and sub-contractors as well as the first 12 recipients for the pilot of this special social assistance.
It was stated earlier that the contractors know there is no financial gain and are not motivated by profit. However, both their employees and at least some of the building materials used will probably have to be paid for by Government.
As it does involve public funds, it would be good to know what objective criteria are being applied in addition to the Ministry of Health, Social Development and Labour VSA having deemed those selected “in desperate need of help.” If nothing else, this can prevent unnecessary discussion and controversy over an essentially worthy initiative in the future.
