Afghan Taxi Drivers in Kandahar Innovate with DIY Air Coolers to Beat the Heat

As temperatures in Kandahar, Afghanistan, soar beyond 40°C (104°F), taxi drivers have come up with an ingenious solution to cope with the intense heat, especially when air conditioning systems in their vehicles often malfunction.

Local reports suggest that the sweltering heat has made working conditions unbearable for many taxi drivers, whose income relies on driving throughout the day. With many vehicles’ AC systems being too costly to repair, the drivers have resorted to creating homemade air coolers.

In the streets of Kandahar, it is common to see taxis with large plastic boxes mounted on their roofs, equipped with exhaust tubes. These DIY air coolers work as an alternative to the traditional AC systems, circulating cool air throughout the vehicle.

One driver, Gul Mohammad, shared his experience with a news agency, explaining that the custom-built air cooler he installed in his taxi is more effective than a regular AC system. “The car’s AC used to break down frequently, and fixing it was expensive. So, I went to a technician and had a special cooler made for around 3,000 Afghanis (approximately 43 USD). Now, I only need to refill it with water twice a day, and it cools the whole car.”

Passengers have also praised the inventive solution, appreciating the relief it provides during the scorching heat.

In the meantime, Afghan authorities have warned that temperatures in many parts of the country are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Experts have repeatedly cautioned that the effects of climate change will exacerbate Afghanistan’s existing humanitarian crisis, making life even more challenging for its citizens.