Banjul, the Gambia — What has been described as a locust of sex workers has reportedly swooped on Barra, heightening the town's reputation as a haven for prostitutes, authoritative sources told The Independent. The cross-river town is said to be assuming the role of a base for sex workers who fill its ferry terminus and adjoining streets at night accosting men. The upsurge in the number of prostitutes in the town has been attributed to a steady migration of sex workers from the Greater Banjul Area after the mass attack on bars in and around Serrekunda last year.
Reports say in fear of more punitive raids prostitutes who have stayed in towns and villages close to hotels in the urban area migrated to Barra, where prostitutes from neighbouring Senegal also converged to swell their number. Sources also say that this category of women do not stay in separate residents but rent houses in the town where they invite men for sex in exchange for money.
One resident of Barra told The Independent that during the day women stay at home but immediately after dusk, they are seen sauntering in the streets accosting men.
Another resident said Barra is thickly dotted with compounds, harbouring brothels where many prostitutes live. As soon as the sun sets, male clients start visiting them. By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. I am telling a truth which many people might not believe, but the clients used to queue at their doors awaiting their turn.
When two or three men sit waiting in a door, one may not be wrong to say so. I blame no one for this but the compound owners, because they must have had knowledge of such kind of behaviour in their compounds. Infact, they should not rent out a room to any woman who is not married" he said. However, there have been reports that some elderly women used to plead and trap night travelers from Senegal who had missed the last ferry.
