PLEEBO, Maryland County – Following a FrontPage Africa Report, Maryland County District #2 Representative Anthony F. Williams has responded to an appeal from a family affected by a fire disaster in Pleebo by donating two bundles of 32-gauge blue zinc and L$40,000 to support the rebuilding of their home.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr. Peterp.toe@frontpageafricaonline.com
The fire incident occurred on Thursday, June 11 in Zone 9, behind the First Assembly of God Church in Pleebo, destroying two rooms of the house and valuable belongings of occupants, including those of St. Francis Catholic High School student Monica Collins.
Following the incident, house owner Joseph S. Walker appealed for assistance, explaining that the family needed at least L$20,000 to begin rebuilding the damaged structure.
After seeing the report and video coverage of the incident, Representative Williams decided to intervene.
The lawmaker said the situation moved him and prompted him to provide assistance to the affected family.
“It touched me watching that video and reading that story. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that I needed to step in,” Rep. Williams said.
He explained that although the family requested L$20,000, he decided to provide additional support through the donation of L$40,000 and roofing materials to help them restore their shelter.
The donation was presented on Wednesday, June 17 at the site of the burnt house by Stanford Neufville, District Coordinator of Representative Williams’ home office.
Neufville said the Representative followed journalist Peter P. Toe, Jr.’s report and video about the fire incident, which influenced his decision to assist.
He said the lawmaker sent the team to express sympathy to the family and provide support beyond what was requested.
Receiving the donation, Joseph S. Walker expressed gratitude, saying the assistance came unexpectedly and would help his family regain shelter.
“I never expected this. So, my family will get a place to sleep again,” Walker said.
Walker also thanked the journalist who highlighted their situation and appreciated Representative Williams for the intervention.
The support is expected to help the family begin rebuilding after losing their shelter and personal belongings in the fire.
