THE DUAL FACE OF THE DANDORA DUMPSITE.

The Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi thrives as an unlikely hub of resilience and community. Amidst mountains of refuse, families forge a community, surviving through the alchemy of trash into treasure. This is a world where the Dumpsite Families, led by the indomitable Dumpsite Mothers—bound not by blood but by shared struggle—navigate the perils of scavenging to find sustenance and hope. Amidst harsh conditions, they embody perseverance and unity, showcasing an extraordinary testament to human endurance.

For decades, the Dandora dumpsite has been a source of income for thousands of families. Men, women, and children work tirelessly, scavenging through mountains of waste in search of anything of value. They carefully sort and collect plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and scrap metals—destined for recycling centres—where they will be transformed into new products. Although it’s a laborious and often hazardous job, for many, it is the only means of survival.

It is not just a source of income; it is a community. Families work together, sharing the burdens and rewards of their labour. Children play amidst the waste, seemingly oblivious to the harsh realities of their surroundings. For them, this is normal—a way of life passed down from generation to generation.

A distinct and close-knit community known as the Dumpsite Families flourishes in the enormous piles of trash and the persistent smell of decay. These are groups of people, not blood-related traditional families, that have banded together to survive in one of the most hostile situations possible.

The families comprise men, women, and kids, united by a relationship created in the crucible of hardship. Instead of having familial ties, they unite in a semblance of family via a common struggle and mutual reliance. These communities coexist and work together, combining resources and willpower to scrape by on the city’s abandoned waste.

Every day, these people face the risks of the trash, sifting through heaps of waste in search of anything valuable. Their purpose is to identify food that has been discarded but is still edible—an inhumane responsibility, yet necessary for their existence. They diligently sort through the rubbish, putting any food items they locate into containers and buckets.

Communal living

Once the scavenging is over, the true sense of community emerges. The collected food is shared among the group members, each receiving a portion of the day’s collection. Meals are prepared together, often over open flames among waste. These communal meals are essential and a symbol of unity and support within the Dumpsite Families.

The existence of the Dumpsite Families exemplifies the sharp contrasts and inconsistencies of the city life. On the one hand, they represent the resilience and uniqueness of the human spirit. On the other hand, their predicament highlights the severe social and economic gaps in Nairobi and other cities globally.

A remarkable group of women known as the “Dumpsite Mothers” are the primary source of strength and resilience in the dumpsite community. These women provide guidance, nutrition, and hope in an environment where these are often in short supply.

They are more than just parents; they are their community’s moral and social compass. They operate as alternative mothers for many teenagers, providing much-needed direction and directing them away from the temptations of criminal activity, which are all too familiar in such severe circumstances. Their statements bear the weight of experience and wisdom gained over years of managing the harsh realities of life on the dumpsite.

Heart of the community

“Stay away from crime,” they frequently advise, “since it is a dead-end route.” These words, while simple, are powerful. They realise how appealing it can be for many young people to get quick money through illicit activity. Nonetheless, they work to cultivate a sense of purpose and integrity in the young, pushing them to pursue better, safer pathways in life.

Aside from their position as counsellors, they are the principal nutrition producers. Every day, they cook meals using food salvaged from garbage, ensuring that everyone, particularly the children, has at least one quality meal. These community meals are about more than simply nourishment; they are about preserving a sense of routine and solidarity in an environment that frequently feels anything against being normal.

In addition to their everyday work, they have formed informal savings and credit cooperatives—Saccos. These Saccos are a lifeline for many people in the neighbourhood, offering financial assistance with healthcare, burial expenses, and other necessities. They work on a simple but effective principle: members contribute small amounts regularly, accumulating a pool of assets that may be accessed when needed.

For instance, if a community member becomes ill, they cover the medical expenditures. When a loved one dies, they assist with burial expenses, ensuring that dignity is maintained even in death. They also provide lending services at a 10% interest rate for extraordinary instances, such as paying children’s school fees or launching modest initiatives. This financial support is critical in enabling people to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

After reflecting on the lives of the Dumpsite Mothers, it is evident that they are the unsung heroes of Dandora. Their contributions extend beyond meeting the urgent needs of their community; they are laying the groundwork for a future in which their children and grandchildren can aspire to more than just survival.

Challenges

However, the dumpsite is not without its challenges. The toxic fumes from burning waste fill the air, posing health risks to those living nearby. The runoff water from the dumpsite flows into the Nairobi River, carrying a toxic blend of chemicals and pollutants, further endangering the environment and the community’s health.

Despite these challenges, the community has demonstrated incredible innovation and determination. Mothers have established a financial safety net through their informal Saccos to support healthcare, education, and small business projects. This grassroots approach enables residents to take charge of their future and create a more sustainable livelihood.

The dumpsite residents are hesitant to see the dumpsite relocated, as has been proposed by the government. For them, it is not just a place of work; it is their livelihood. Relocating it without providing alternative sources of income could plunge many families deeper into poverty, further exacerbating an already dire situation.

Furthermore, many residents have established informal recycling operations, which convert garbage into valuable resources. They make money while helping to manage Nairobi’s waste by sorting and selling recyclable commodities like plastics, glass, and metal. These projects demonstrate the community’s ability to adapt and find solutions even under the most severe conditions.

For them to continue their critical work and improve their living conditions, this community desperately requires assistance. Basic needs such as gumboots and gloves are needed to protect them from the hazardous environment they work in every day. Furthermore, mattresses and mosquito nets are necessary to protect their health, providing much-needed comfort and reducing the danger of mosquito-borne infections.

By providing these products, we can reduce some of their responsibilities and allow them to focus on creating a brighter future for themselves and their children. Your help can make a big difference in their lives, instilling resilience and optimism in the heart of Dandora.

Edited by Pius Okore.