Peanut Peddler & his friend
For a lot of people here, life is pretty harsh. I think about it every day when we go out and about. The people peddling their items on the road. They weave between the cars, able to perfectly navigate their way safely as the cars start moving forwards.
I see the street cleaners in their makeshift protective clothing. Often with cloths over their heads. In the heat of the day a small piece of shade provides temporary respite as they rest. Then you see where they call home and your heart crunches.
Everyone deserves basic shelter, hygiene, food and some sort of comfort.
Street Cleaner
The other day we were on our way home, the traffic was thick so we were at a standstill. An elderly lady was by her street cleaning bin. She looked eighty but was probably only in her mid fifties. She needed to use the bathroom. Trying to be discreet she pulled down her pants and did her business on the sidewalk, partially protected by her rubbish bin. When she was finished she pulled up her tracky pants and casually walked across the road, without a second thought.
A ‘Dirty Icecream’ Seller
It is unacceptable that this is how people who work on the streets are expected to take care of themselves. It is deplorable that the poorest people in this city are often stripped of their dignity so they can just get through another day.
You can follow my pictures of life on the street through my Instragram account. @saltybug