In the sweltering heat of Kandahar, where temperatures often hit 40°C, Afghan taxi drivers have found a clever way to stay cool — homemade rooftop coolers. Made for around 3,000 Afghanis (about $43), these “swamp coolers” pump damp, cool air into the car using water and fans powered by the car battery.
Drivers say they work better than traditional AC, which either doesn’t exist in their old vehicles or is too expensive to fix. Some are even adding solar panels to run the system. With rising demand, local mechanics are busy installing these coolers as more drivers look for affordable ways to survive the brutal summer heat.
It’s a simple yet smart solution that shows how people are adapting to tough weather and economic challenges.
