Sharjah: The sight of demolished houses in Musalla is not usually one to make heads turn — until you see two plywood crates filled with clothes.
Manju, 38, from Sri Lanka, used to live in one of the dilapidated houses until the municipality tore them down last month for a land development project. Although other residents in the area found alternative homes to go to, Manju could not — mainly due to her lack of means.
As a last resort, she was able to find shelter at a friend's place nearby but as she was unable to take her belongings, that have accumulated over her 13 years in Sharjah, Manju opted to store everything she owned in two plywood crates and place it in the middle of the sandy lot where her home used to stand.
Deposit
"I paid Dh600 deposit to live in that house, but the man I rented it out from went to India two months ago. As soon as he gets back, I'll collect my money and I'll go back home to Colombo for good," Manju said, refusing to believe that the tenant who sub-let the property might have run away with her money.
Even though Manju does not have a full time job, she tries her best to make ends meet by working as a part time house-maid for people living in the neighbourhood, and points out that some of the people have been kind enough to give her clothes.
"I search for chores to do in areas that I can walk to. I am saving all the money I make so that I can buy my airplane ticket. I do not have enough money to buy medicine for my diabetes, and my bones are aching all over because of it," Manju said, as she wiped away the sweat from her forehead.
Aching joints
Despite her aching joints and limbs, Manju continues to walk the five minute distance from her friend's home to her plywood crates several times throughout the day.
Not all her belongings fitted inside the boxes, so she had no other choice but to place them nearby or on top of a white plastic chair that she borrowed from a watchman in a nearby building.
A bicycle, umbrella, bangles, stuffed toys, dresses, scarves and other items of clothing are placed in a cramped pile between the boxes.
"I have to come here all the time, whether it is morning or night, so that nobody will steal my things. I also told the workers at a nearby construction site to look after my things when I am not there," she added.
"It is a difficult time in my life now, but I am at least grateful that my pet cat is still here with me to keep me company at all times."
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