Life in this country is hard enough with a roof over your head, so we cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be to be homeless.

Four families were left homeless after their house collapsed because of a structural failure on Wednesday.

Luckily, no one was at home at the time of the incident.

With the Christmas season fast approaching, such a tragedy could not have happened at a worse time. We cannot even attempt to understand the feelings of despair that must be going through these families at this time, and we can only hope that they receive enough help to get back on their feet.

There is no doubt that these families included children and it must be especially hard for them, with school in session and it being close to test and exam time.

An incident such as this serves to stress the importance of proper housing solutions, especially in depressed areas.

Unsafe buildings

Many are forced to take refuge in unsafe buildings, not because they are rebellious or defiant, but because they have no choice. These people are no less human than anyone, and whatever can be done to assist them should be done.

The current weather conditions will also make it even harder for these families, who will perhaps have to seek shelter with friends and relatives. We hope this serves as a sign to those in authority that something must be done to provide houses for the poor and homeless.