Nightwatchmen

Daily Life, third prize stories

7/8/2004

Nightwatchmen usually take the work to supplement their income from a day job. Unemployment is high in the city, and the average wage is a little over 40 Euro a month. Watchmen can earn an additional 20 Euro to 30 Euro monthly. By day they may be anything from a student to a mechanic. People with more money like to employ domestic staff, and guards to protect their homes. Owners of shops and businesses do likewise. Being a nightwatchman is not popular employment, though there is a tacit understanding that many sleep on the job. Ouagadougou has very little street lighting, and the sun sets around 6pm, so often the nightwatchman's presence and light are alone enough to deter thieves.

Commissioned by: 4/3 Asso