The other morning I came upon some industrious young businessmen working in the shade of a friend's home. They were repairing a pair of flip-flops, the most common footwear worn here.
Unfortunately, the flip-flops available in our local markets are generally not good quality, and since most people wear theirs all the time and walk everywhere, they break within a matter of two or three months.
Having to buy a new pair of flip-flops didn't used to be too big of a problem, but during the past months prices have risen sharply due to the deteriorating economic situation. Most things--food, clothes, soap, shoes--have tripled in price since the beginning of the year.
A basic pair of flip-flops that cost 8 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) ($1.33) in January now costs 25 SSP ($1.47). In dollar terms, the price is not much higher because the exchange rate has risen from 6 SSP per 1 USD to 17 SSP per dollar.
But for the majority of my neighbours, who are dealing only in SSP, this is a huge increase. I estimate that the average weekly income for many of my women neighbours who are the sole breadwinners for their families is only about 50 to 60 SSP.
It was very encouraging to see these boys' initiative and work ethic.
Unfortunately, the flip-flops available in our local markets are generally not good quality, and since most people wear theirs all the time and walk everywhere, they break within a matter of two or three months.
Having to buy a new pair of flip-flops didn't used to be too big of a problem, but during the past months prices have risen sharply due to the deteriorating economic situation. Most things--food, clothes, soap, shoes--have tripled in price since the beginning of the year.
A basic pair of flip-flops that cost 8 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) ($1.33) in January now costs 25 SSP ($1.47). In dollar terms, the price is not much higher because the exchange rate has risen from 6 SSP per 1 USD to 17 SSP per dollar.
But for the majority of my neighbours, who are dealing only in SSP, this is a huge increase. I estimate that the average weekly income for many of my women neighbours who are the sole breadwinners for their families is only about 50 to 60 SSP.
The most common problem with flip-flops is that the thong that goes between the toes detaches from the sole of the shoe. The boys charge 2 SSP (12 cents at the current rate) to sew the thong back on to the sole--much, much less than the cost of a new pair.
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| Tools of the trade |
It was very encouraging to see these boys' initiative and work ethic.
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