A Tanzanian police officer has used his salary and personal savings to construct a two-bedroom house for an 85-year-old woman living alone in deplorable conditions in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region.
Police Constable Eli Huruma Juma Musa first came across Mama Seti in late June while carrying out routine activities in the area.
How Musa found out about Mama Seti’s living conditions
He had stopped to speak with an elderly man nearby, who pointed him towards the old woman’s home. What he found there stayed with him.
“Her kitchen, toilet and sleeping area were all made of grass. She had to enter through the grass, almost as if she was hiding, because it was not a suitable place to live. However, for her, it was home,” Musa said.
Determined to do something, Musa began channelling his own money into a construction project.
How big is Mama Seti’s house?
He initially planned to build a single bedroom and a living room, but the project grew into a complete house featuring two bedrooms, a living room and an additional room for visitors.
The construction took roughly two and a half months and cost approximately KSh 200,000. At a critical stage, with the rainy season closing in, Musa borrowed KSh 50,000 from a man he regards as a father figure to keep the work moving.
Mama Seti sells her goat to help in construction
Several friends rallied around him. One, identified as Jot, provided hands-on assistance throughout, while Happiness Bapaga mobilised her own circle of friends and contributed KSh 30,000 towards roofing materials and timber.
Mama Seti herself quietly sold one of her goats and handed KSh 344 directly to the workers without telling Musa.
“Most of it was through my own effort and what God had blessed me with, but I also received support from some friends. I thank God that everything went well,” Musa said.
Musa’s commanding officer, OCD SSP Adrian Masawe speaks
Musa’s commanding officer, OCD SSP Adrian Masawe, gave the project his full backing, encouraging Musa each time he sought permission to continue.
The land itself already belonged to Mama Seti, a fact Musa verified by speaking to the person who originally sold her the plot and to neighbouring residents before a single brick was laid.
Though the main structure is complete, the house still lacks window panels, and the kitchen and toilet are unfinished.
Mama Seti appreciates police for kind gesture
Mama Seti also has no beds, mattresses or basic household items. Musa has appealed for well-wishers willing to help finish what remains.
For Mama Seti, simply moving through the door of a solid house was more than she had ever expected.
“I thank God very much for building this house for me. I never imagined that I would come to live in a beautiful house like this. They have saved me, and I am very grateful,” she said.
