By Horn Africa News
Source: Ergo Radio
Baidoa – The rise of motorised tuk-tuks, locally as bajaj, is reshaping the streets of Baidoa, offering faster and more affordable transport for market-goers and traders. These three-wheeled vehicles have quickly become the dominant mode of transport, reducing costs for customers and speeding up deliveries.
However, this transport revolution is also creating challenges for donkey cart drivers, like 64-year-old Barre Hilowle Mohamed, who have long depended on this trade to support their families. Barre, who fled drought in Ooflow and now lives in Mubarak IDP camp, says his earnings have dried up since customers started preferring tuk-tuks over traditional carts.
“People now choose tuk-tuks because they are faster and cheaper. I haven’t had steady work since May,” said Barre, who used to make around $5 a day from hired donkey cart work. He now relies on occasional food support from kind neighbours in the camp.
Similarly, Mursal Hassan Ibrahim, another displaced donkey cart driver, says the shift in transport preference has left him with mounting debts and no stable income. “I owe three months’ donkey cart rental and over $170 to a shop,” he shared, adding that he has been walking into Baidoa daily looking for work—with no success.
Local leaders are calling for support and retraining programs to help those affected. Ali Isaaq Dahir, chairperson of the IDP camp committee in Baidoa, says nearly 300 families have lost their main source of income due to this shift in the local economy. “The community support system we once had is no longer functioning the same way. Everyone is struggling now,” he said.
While tuk-tuks symbolize progress and urban change, they have also exposed the urgent need to support displaced people in adapting to new economic realities. Camp leaders are urging humanitarian organizations and the South West State government to provide livelihood training, microloans, and job opportunities that can empower former cart drivers to transition into new trades.
With the right support, Baidoa’s transport evolution can benefit the entire community—ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward modernisation.
