In The Gambia, just like most African countries, workers are paid on a monthly basis, and now with the outbreak of this deadly virus, things have change for the worse. Since the approval of the State of Public Emergency for a period of 45 days, many families in the country have been faced with serious challenges that need urgent solutions.
We have heard reports of instances where some landlords make life absolutely unbearable and difficult for those renting on their apartments. We thus call on landlords to be humane and show some respect especially during these trying moments.
As humans, all the religions teach about the importance of kindness especially in times of need. Thus, landlords should also show empathy and sympathy towards one and another. Yes, it is true some landlords depend surely on their rent fee for their income, but in times of difficult circumstances they should also reason well and understand the dynamics of the day.
Government, which spent so much to provide basic amenities and went to the extent of reducing tariffs on some basic services just to make life easy for the people during this trying times. It is rather sad that some landlords, who themselves are enjoying such facilities are making life extremely difficult for their fellow countrymen.
In most developed countries, federal governments have waived house rents for three -to -four months just to help ordinary citizens and make life bearable for them, as they battle the spread of the covid-19. This also helps a great deal especially in reducing the sufferings of the people without having to be kicked out for failure to meets your rent related issues.
It is a fundamental human right to have access to a house to lay your head. If house rents continue to skyrocket and landlords continue to show no regards, many of the average persons who may not be able to afford the high fee would be pushed onto the streets, something that is sharp contrast of our national development aspirations.
Thus, let us show some love, after all we are human.
“When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it. That’s when you can get more creative in solving problems.”
Stephen Covey