Stockpiles of old, discarded tires are becoming a common sight in the Ugandan capital Kampala…reports Asian Lite News
Some are disposed of by burning while others are taken to landfills, a phenomenon environmentalists say is detrimental. Eric Rugomoka, a youth in Kivulu, a slum area on the outskirts of Kampala, is determined to change the situation. Rugomoka dropped out of school eight years ago, and followed his passion, art. He told Xinhua that when he was still in school, he loved art and that explains why when he dropped out of school he chose it as his source of livelihood.
Rugomoka saw the poor disposal of discarded tires as an opportunity to turn waste into money, while at the same time protecting the environment. At his makeshift workshop in Kivulu, Rugomoka collects discarded tires from fuel refilling stations, car garages and landfills. Some people even bring the tires to him at a small fee. Using sharp instruments, with the help of other youths cut the tires, Rugomoka crafted them into car carpets, sandals, gym mats among others. These products are then supplied to shops. (Copy Ronald Ssekandi, Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
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