In the capital of Burundi, Bujumbura, hundreds of women earn a living by collecting pieces of coal and scrap metal from landfills. Working at the main Mubon Landfill, these women receive about 2000 Burundian Francs, which amounts to approximately 60 rupees after a full day of hard labor.
Many of these women are the sole breadwinners in their families. Rising prices and fuel shortages in the country have made their earnings even more critical for family needs. These women search through the trash for items that can be reused or sold at the market to generate income.
Among the found items are remnants of coal and scrap metal. By selling them, they try to meet their families' needs. Inflation and fuel scarcity in Burundi create difficulties for the population. When fuel becomes expensive or difficult to obtain, even essential tasks like cooking can become challenging.
Under such conditions, people look for cheaper alternatives, and collecting coal pieces from landfills is part of this necessity. Mubon Landfill serves as the main waste collection site in Bujumbura, where women spend the entire day extracting coal and raw materials for sale in local markets.
The daily income of these women is about 2000 Burundian Francs, equivalent to 0.70 US dollars or approximately 60 Indian rupees. However, even this daily income is not guaranteed. Working in a landfill carries the risk of injury, as broken glass and sharp objects may be present, capable of cutting hands and feet.
Furthermore, there is a danger of health problems due to contact with dirt. Therefore, it is crucial to sort waste properly and store it in a safe place. The situation of women in Bujumbura demonstrates how inflation and fuel shortages affect poor families. Their difficulties could be reduced if they were provided with opportunities to work in safe conditions and gain other sources of income.