Thirsty work …For some, water vending quenches thirst for jobs

A water vendor attending to his customers at Lamaha Street and Vlissingen Road (Photo by Keno George)

They are ubiquitous in the city, shouting over the din of traffic that they have water for sale. On the pavements, at stoplights, the roving water vendors try to make as many sales as possible before the day ends.

Over the years, the trickle of water vendors in the city has gushed into a torrent as many, from grandmothers to jobless youths, seek to make ends meet. Like any other, the water vendors ply their trade almost every day contending with increased competition and rainy days which dampen sales.

For them, the best days are