Homemade refrigerator: A creative invention of Kandahar drivers

A video report coming from the city of Kandahar has sparked great interest in the global internet space — this time, it is about a unique and creative solution developed by Afghan taxi drivers to fight the hot and dry climate.

Even in an environment without new technologies, complex air conditioners, and with unstable electricity supply, human intellect and practical thinking prove to be superior. In Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). On these hottest days, the handmade air-cooling systems created by taxi drivers are astonishing people.

On the roofs of yellow taxis moving along asphalt-filled streets, interesting barrel-shaped devices are mounted. There are no similar air conditioners available on the market. But according to the drivers, this simple and economical solution is even more effective than ordinary car air conditioners.

In an interview with AFP news agency, a driver named Abdul Bari said:
"This handmade cooler is better than the [built-in] AC. The AC only cools the front part. But this device spreads air evenly throughout the cabin."

In the video footage, Abdul Bari is seen securing the exhaust pipe of the cooler to the taxi window with tape, while his assistant mounts the body of the unit to the top of the car. This cooling system works with water. It needs to be refilled twice a day.

"It's a bit of a hassle, but it works well for me," he said.

Another driver named Gul Muhammad, who has been using such solutions for several years, said:
"The original ACs in the cars didn’t work. Repairs were too expensive. So I had a technician make a special cooling device."

He said that creating such a device cost 3,000 Afghanis ($43). This is considered very cheap and convenient for most drivers.

Passengers also praise this lifehack. A 19-year-old passenger named Norullah said:
"If there’s no cooler in the cabin, it becomes very difficult. I even carry anti-heat medicine with me at all times. Recently, I had to receive an IV drip because of heat illness."

This year, from April to June, Afghanistan recorded its hottest spring. At the same time, a severe drought is spreading across the country. This negatively affects agriculture, livestock, and the lives of rural communities.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, current climate change is further worsening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.

It is worth noting that since August 2021, after the Taliban came to power, Afghanistan has been excluded from UN climate negotiations. This is pushing the population further away from international aid.

Nevertheless, this creative approach of the Afghan people — even under difficult conditions — demonstrates the power of human intellect and the ability to live with hope. The "handmade air conditioners" made by Kandahar drivers using water and tubing symbolize not only coolness but also trust in the future.

When talking about these problems and solutions, the Afghan people once again show the world that, on one hand, they face global challenges like climate change, and on the other hand, they are capable of developing their own solutions.

In conclusion, one can say: even a device made with a simple barrel and water — if created with intelligence and skill — can rival thousand-dollar technologies. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!