Afghan Taxi Drivers Mount DIY Coolers ‘To Kill Heat’

As southern Afghanistan continues to face extreme summer temperatures in July, taxi drivers in Kandahar have turned to homemade air coolers to shield themselves and passengers from the punishing 40°C (104°F) heat.

Faced with broken or non-existent air-conditioning units in their ageing blue taxis, many drivers have taken matters into their own hands.

In recent weeks, these vehicles have been spotted on the city’s streets with swamp cooler barrels mounted on the roofs and flexible exhaust tubes funneling cool air through side windows.

$43 Rooftop Fix Gains Popularity

Drivers have been installing these makeshift cooling units for about 3,000 Afghanis (SGD 58 or USD 43). The system runs off the car’s battery or solar panels, with water tanks that require refilling twice daily. The cooler pushes moist air through the vehicle more evenly than factory-fitted AC, which often fails or only cools the front seats.

Some technicians in local markets report that demand for these rooftop units has surged over the past few years. One 21-year-old installer said drivers began turning to these setups when high repair costs and older car models made traditional air conditioning unaffordable or impossible.

A Climate Solution in a Crisis-Struck Nation

Afghanistan, among the world’s poorest and most climate-vulnerable countries, has endured increasingly intense heatwaves in recent years. Between April and June this year, the country recorded its warmest spring on record. At the same time, widespread drought has deepened food insecurity and affected rural livelihoods, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Experts warn that continued temperature spikes will further strain daily life for millions of Afghans already struggling with economic instability and limited infrastructure.

Passengers Applaud Heat-Busting ‘Desi Jugaad’

Many locals have embraced the taxi drivers’ innovation. Some passengers shared that without these mobile coolers, commuting in Kandahar’s heat becomes unbearable. One young rider even mentioned needing intravenous treatment due to a recent heat-related illness before discovering taxis equipped with these units.

While not perfect, these rooftop cooling systems reflect a growing pattern of grassroots adaptation across climate-impacted regions — where survival demands creativity and resilience.

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