Since our arrival in Sierra Leone one of our major challenges has been to secure suitable accommodation and this search has introduced us to another world – that of agents!! Note – I did not say Estate agents – even though that would constitute the bulk of their ‘work’. The influx of international bodies and non-governmental agencies have put a premium on housing accommodation in the capital and as the rules of economics dictate, increase in demand without the matching supply obviously creates a market where the middleman flourishes. This is what is happening in SL.
Most of the agents I have come in contact with genuinely want to help and do not necessarily want to make a quick buck. However, they operate purely by word of mouth and one is likely to be shown the same property by more than one agent who may happen to know that the said property was ‘available’ for renting. Since we started looking I have ‘viewed’ close to 15 properties having been assured before each visit that the properties were in highly desirable areas and perfect for a family with two very young children – only to find that most of these properties are about a mile from the ‘desirable’ location and generally requiring some renovations.
Of course the possibility of earning a 10% commission (as charged by most agents) on the year’s rental – incidentally quoted in US dollars - means most agents would try to convince you that even though the property may not suit your requirements – but of course with a few adjustments (paid by you of course!) then presto! you have your ‘dream’ home – though it may be way out of the locality you initially were promised.
Despite the obvious inconvenience, I see all this as a true demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Freetown. Here, they have spotted an opportunity and they have set themselves up to take advantage of it. Surely this is what capitalism is all about – having an entrepreneurial spirit? Good luck to them.
What worries me however is the fact that most of these guys operate by word of mouth and via their mobile phones, even though I have come across a couple of agents with offices and trained staff who offer a very decent service provided you are prepared to pay a registration fee before they show you around.
The lack of permanent accommodation is not however unique to us. We take consolation from the fact that our Lord himself at one stage ‘had no where to lay His head’ (Luke 9:58) unlike foxes and birds who have holes and nests. There is nothing that we endure that He hasn’t gone through before us and Paul reassures us that there is no trial that we cannot endure and that whatever tests we face God is faithful ‘and He will make a way’ .. to (strengthen) us so that ‘we would be able to bear them’.(1Cor. 9:13)
Despite all that we are grateful to God for His abundant grace and mercy for protecting us, reassuring us and giving us good health to enjoy His goodness. We know He is working something good on our behalf and as someone said – the fact that we cannot see the engine working does not mean it is idle. He will come through in His own time on schedule, but I must confess the waiting, the stress and the inconveniences …….are not easy.
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