Secret lives of the Morogoro people

These fishmongers live a careless life because they believe that their work is high risk.

By Darius Mutamba 

TODAY many cultures have it as a myth that in the past era humankind lived in harmony with nature with very little despoiling of what it had to offer. Man would survive on hunting, gathering and socializing was the first and foremost symbol of humanity. 

This is true for the Morogoro people who live tucked away in the banks of the mighty Sanyati river, with little intrusion from people . The Morogoro inhabitants run away from strangers and wear clothing that shows a fashion sense that existed a decade ago. 

Morogoro is situated deep in the valley a few hours walk into the ascents and descents that are approximately 50 kilometers from Chidamoyo area in Hurungwe. To reach this area we trudged on pathways, skirting ditches and swathing insects and braved the scorching sun. Our bodies were tired  but we were men on a mission. 

With me was a local trader locally know as “Welly” who makes a living from selling fish. “I travel here at least once a week to trade food stuff for fish, what pains is the long walks as there is no transport to this area,” said Welly .

There are no cars here nothing’ whatsoever that relates to the present times and only trace of civilization are the hordes of vendors who travel back and forth to pounce of the these commoners.

Morogoro is a beautiful area to curious backpackers and adventurous souls it can be a haven for it has so much to explore that very few have. But despite all that nature has to offer, this hidden land has become a brood of prostitutes a den of thieves and a utopia for illegal fishmongers.

Morogoro people live in isolation from the outside world but not of traders who trade in alcohol, food stuff clothing and other items for fish. Food items like a packet of biscuits worth $0,50 can be traded for fish that has street value of 5 dollars. And alcoholic beverages seem to fetch more. A commoner who withheld her name said “we trade fish, in fives for clothes and alcohol from traders”

During the day it’s business as usual as the fishmongers work hard to earn a good drink after a hard day’s work. As night breaks prostitutes prey on traders and poachers who trade goods for intercourse.

These fishmongers live a careless life because they believe that their work is high risk as they face harsh tides hence they live for today and pleasure is the order of the night.  

One fisher man identified as njuzu (mermaid) said ” we live for today’ because our work does not guarantee us to be alive  tomorrow”. These men soak away in alcoholic beverages and indulge in sexual activities to while up time. 

Apart from prostitution and illegal fishing . Thieves also dominate the morogoro area . Men with long knives terrorize uncommon people mainly new traders who travel in the area stealing their possessions and in some cases injuring those who try to resist. 

“I have been robbed twice, but now these people know me and it’s now safe for me to travel here but for new comers it can be horror” said Welly. 

What amazed me about these people was their primitive way of life. They care very little about cash and they use canoes made from fallen trees. The little money they have is not used for the betterment of their lives and community but it goes towards social activities which are mainly alcohol and women.