There have been complaints of how poor sanitation has gotten the better part of our society. Some blame it on the miserable structural layout of the community while others believe it is sheer negligence on the part of residents – towards keeping Aboabo tidy. Because there are no properly laid-out routes for rubbish collectors to move from house to house, each household will have to get their rubbish disposed of all by themselves. This phenomenon was not different for our household too as Jamal and I had a responsibility of making sure rubbish collected was disposed each and every day.
My twin brother, Jamal, and I were elected by the household to take up that mantle of emptying the dustbin on the backdrop that we were the youngest chaps capable of doing the job cleanly and diligently. Knowing this, we scheduled the rubbish throw routine on weekly basis. One had the responsibility for seven days, and the other takes over for the same number of days. In many societies, dumping refuse in the morning is the norm but in our case, it had to be at dawn otherwise the big metallic Zoomlion bin was likely to get full. This made it incumbent on us to wake up as early as 4:30 am to execute our task.
Just after one wakes up from a short sleep, the first move was to grab Mum’s purse or to search into Dad’s trouser pocket to retrieve some few coins for the payment of rubbish to be dumped. By then, the compound would have been swept and the rubbish already gathered in the dustbin. One had to now go for the tattered old towel as a protection for the head before carrying the bin. The route to the dumping site was dark and the wind blowing gradually becomes intense.
While on my way, thoughts of stories about how ghosts and dwarfs strive in dark quiet places get me more and more afraid. It was always rare to meet up with someone on that stretch as many are still enjoying their sleep. I had no choice but to walk quickly and stay focused on my destination. Upon reaching Seidu’s house, his sister would be done sweeping their compound, so I call him out for us to continue to the disposal site.
Seidu saw it as a favor for mostly waking him up whenever I am passing by to the dumping site. But deep within me, I knew the favour should rather be his – for he is that guy who suppresses my fear en route to the gloomy dumping site. Baba, the man responsible for coordinating the proper disposal of rubbish also had the task of collecting monies for disposal according to the weight of rubbish one brought.
I used to be amazed of how Baba was always available to execute his duty without ever being absent or late. Many had a firm belief that he was genetically immune to diseases — for he was ever-present. Using the same route back home, conversations between Seidu and I continue until he reaches his house. Then, everything reverts to default and the fear of the unknown finds its way back. I had to continue the walk back home.
Briskly walking again becomes the catalyst of fast eradicating my fear. Hope then comes. The Adhan (Islamic call to prayer) is said through the large megaphone of the Alhaji Seidi’s Mosque. Now, the fear quickly vanishes. After reaching home, performing ablution for prayer becomes the next activity before preparing for school. This routine happened every single day for either my brother or I. Was it not obvious that we were faced with tough situations at dawn even before facing real problems when day breaks?
I believe this experience has somewhat contributed to the hopefulness, bravery, and not-relenting attitude my brother and I persistently show in our endeavors. It was not by chance that these traits are being associated with us. This routine also instilled that sense of responsibility, on our part, towards giving reverence to important issues as sanitation — which was a major concern in our vicinity. This I am sure affirms the African proverb.
” Behind every sweaty face of a cattle stealer is a story of determination and courage.”
Never give up on yourself. And the benefits, even if intangible, will positively cast its shining lights upon your life. Keep up with giving it your best in all situations. Your portion will surely abound when the time is ripe.
Peace 🕊️
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