Well, Addis may not be as polluted as Bombay or Sao Paulo or Beijing. I'm afraid, however, that pollution is on the rise. Going to work early morning, I have to drive along numerous Anbessa buses, inter - city transport buses, trucks and the like. When many of these vehicles shift gears or climb steep roads, the amount of smoke that comes out is horrible to see. A driver may escape the immediate effects of the smoke by rolling up his/her windows. Yet, it's dangerous because the visibility will be threatened for some seconds - mind you an accident may happen. The smog seen in Addis (in mornings) is a witness to the long-lasting effect of the smoke.
I hear that most of these trucks or buses are old or had already been old when they were imported. The engines are not well maintained and hence the smoke. What amazes me, though, is to see brand new four wheelers bought at a very expensive price giving off black smokes. One experienced driver told me that they're smoky because they use diesel. Another person, who was from Europe and happened to be with us, remarked that he drives a car that is some years old and uses diesel but no smoke. Is the quality of the fuel that bad here?
Getting rid of all these smoky old vehicles would seem a good idea to some, but what will happen to the people whose livelihood depends on them? What comes first - the environment or putting some food on the table?
I hear that most of these trucks or buses are old or had already been old when they were imported. The engines are not well maintained and hence the smoke. What amazes me, though, is to see brand new four wheelers bought at a very expensive price giving off black smokes. One experienced driver told me that they're smoky because they use diesel. Another person, who was from Europe and happened to be with us, remarked that he drives a car that is some years old and uses diesel but no smoke. Is the quality of the fuel that bad here?
Getting rid of all these smoky old vehicles would seem a good idea to some, but what will happen to the people whose livelihood depends on them? What comes first - the environment or putting some food on the table?
2 comments:
very Good observation in an experience of a month or two, Mr. Driver!!!!!!!!!!!!
During my recent visit I asked the drivers the vintage of thier cabs. It seems the average age is somewhere in the mid twenties.
There more than 1,200 cabs, vans and people hauling trucks.
Of the four million plus people in Addis Ababa it seems half of them are walking, half are riding in one of the little cabs and the rest...................?
I enjoyed my visit and the two deaf no longer orphans we brought back are priceless jewels.
Charlie
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