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Momodou
Denmark
11824 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Aug 2006 : 23:39:09
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SCAVENGERS DESCEND ON BAKOTEH DUMPSITE
Isatou Bittaye
Many Gambians are grappling with the economic hardship that has beleaguered this Country. In a bid to make ends meet, several breadwinners have resorted to scavenging expired foodstuff and materials at the Bakoteh dumpsite.
This reporter went to the site on Monday and met numerous scavengers there.
Jainaba Krubally, a resident of Bakoteh, said that she often goes to the dumpsite to pick items such as bottles and empty can drinks which she sells others. She said “I have been in this business, for several years. I earn my livelihood by collecting empty bottles and can drinks for sale. I come here everyday, despite the fact that I inhale the awful odour that comes from this place. I have to earn a living and I don’t have any member of family who could help me. I have no other option, this is why I come here everyday to collect these items and sell them.”
Khaddy Sillah of Manjai Kunda said she has been scavenging at the site for the past three years. This was after her husband passed away. She said her husband left her with children and that she has nobody to help her financially to take care of them.
“The conditions here are horrible, but we have no choice” she remarked.
Modou Camara said he has been in the business for the past 3 years. He said he does not go to the dumpsite to collect materials, but he buys these materials from the scavengers at the Bakoteh Highway and resell them. He said he pays his monthly house rent, his children’s school fees and buy foodstuff from the proceeds of this business.
“The government needs to help us. They should establish industries which would employ us” he remarked.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 69/2006, 23-24 August, 2006
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