By Malisema Mahloane
MASERU – The Lesotho Nurses Association (LNA) in partnership with Nedbank Lesotho, TGEE Geo construction and Autoland launched a housing scheme, personal and vehicle financing for nurses last week Friday at Mineworkers camp. This initiative is an effort to better the lives of nurses who are LNA members nationwide.
Speaking at the briefing ceremony, President of LNA Mr Busa Qhala explained that the association has had several meetings together with TGEE construction, Nedbank and Autoland trying to come up with ways to solve some of their members’ mental health problems. He expressed that the association cares about the interests of nurses the priority being to see them owning houses permanently in their residents of origin. Should they wish to expand or renovate their existing homes the scheme incorporates that.
Qhala added that the housing, car and personal financing scheme is made possible by Nedbank Lesotho and it is not compulsory for members to have accounts with the financial institution.
“For those members requiring personal loans and have already debts with other financiers the bank is willing to settle their debts and consolidate the loans so as they pay one instalment into Nedbank. With the need to secure nurses’ future, the association together with TGEE construction has planned to open a fund for “nurse’s child” which will take care of the financial needs of their children should they pass on earlier than expected, Qhala told the nurses.
“Nurses need cars that goes without saying, for this reason Autoland, a reputable car dealer available in various districts of Lesotho has come to offer the LNA members lower rates and better car payment deals different from any individuals. The benefits of the association extend to private practicing nurses and the retired nurses who were members of LNA therefore they call on to them to stay or become part of the association.
“LNA is currently building a policy on how all the monies will be paid back. There is currently a guarantee that the monies of members are safe. They are also in negotiations with other grocery retailers to offer discounts to their bills,’ Qhala said.
Rajase Mnyele Operations Manager from TGEE construction and investment underlined that people must enjoy their money while they are working hard for it and not when they are aged and have only their retirement package to build them dream assets.
“Some unfortunate instances you find people passing on immediately after completing construction of their dream houses and not having lived in them for long. We as TGEE Construction by partnering with LNA are creating homes not just building houses. Homes are legacies for your future, they are legacies for your children of which they will remember you after your passing. The nurse’s child legacy that we aim to build is to assist your children complete their educational journey and pay off your loans at the time of death. For all your building construction needs be a lease or building permit, TGEE is a one-stop-solution for all housing needs and an approved service provider by Nedbank Lesotho,” said Mnyele.
Nontsikelelo Thokoane scheme manager from Nedbank confirmed and reiterated the clarifications by both Qhala and Mnyele adding that they work together with employers to provide their employees better financing packages at more affordable lending and repayment rates.