By Dawda M. Jallow
Persons with disabilities engaged in street begging at Westfield on Tuesday have raised concerns over deteriorating living conditions, saying survival has become increasingly difficult without government assistance.
In interviews with The Voice, the beggars, most of whom rely on daily alms to feed their families, said poverty, disability, and the lack of alternative livelihood opportunities forced them onto the streets.
Mam-Jarra, 43, a woman with a physical disability from Tallinding, said begging remains her only means of survival since her husband’s death.
“Without begging on the streets, I don’t survive. The government needs to consider us because we are citizens of this country,” she said, appealing for targeted interventions for persons unable to support themselves.
Ousman Jallow, a wheelchair user, said begging was not a choice but a circumstance forced on him by life. He lives with his wife and two children.
“No one wishes to be a street beggar. We are part of this country and our voices should be heard,” he said, calling on authorities to support persons with disabilities to start small businesses.
Pa Jobe, another street beggar accompanied by his son, welcomed media attention, noting that the plight of persons with disabilities is often ignored.
“Being a street beggar does not mean we don’t deserve dignity,” he said. “Life is hand to mouth, with no savings or support system, despite years of struggling on the streets.”
Ebrima Secka, who is blind, described daily life as a constant struggle.
“We accept whatever God gives us, but it is painful to see human beings suffering this way,” he said. “Support for small businesses and skills development would help us educate our children and live with dignity.”
Other persons with disabilities interviewed echoed similar concerns, warning that without deliberate government intervention, street survival will remain their only option.