IRONCLAD


IRONCLAD

The latest Sinotruck model TX Cargo Chassis was unveiled indoors at the Hilton Hotel last week by Sinotruck International and Hansom Group. Although commercialisation of the fright operators has been heralded as a transformative tool by the Ministry of Transport & Logistics ever since the 2022 proclamation, the transition has been an uphill battle for the transporters who feel it has been rushed and fails to take into account the nature of their business. Ethiopia's logistics performance index has stood at around 126 from 167 countries for the better part of the past decade. Protracted customs procedures, antiquated use of vehicles, and lack of properly trained professionals have all been part of the logistics milieu.


In-Picture

LEFT BEHIND

A small stretch of neatly tiled pavement along Bole Road stands isolated, hinting at the sidewalk that could have been. While the adjacent bike lane pushes forward with a clear directional arrow. The unfinished pedestrian path reflects of what is and what could be, in the city's corridor development plan launched in 2022, which said to improve walkways, bike routes, and urban infrastructure...


In-Picture

NINE TO FIVE

An Isuzu stacked with square steel near Mesqel flower shows the usual practice in the life of Isuzu and other similar vehicles carrying more than they can handle. Recent construction upgrades in the city have become an eye opening opportuity for heavyload trucks to promote their business transporting material in large numbers. Yet, they lack visible safety precuations plus reckless driving is one of the concerns that needs to be addressed...


In-Picture

ON THE CLIFF

Tucked beneath a pedestrian overpass around Mexico, a makeshift stall enclosed with corrugated metal and repurposed jerrycans for handwashing clings to a narrow strip of space. As the city transforms, small businesses like this, long embedded in tightly packed neighbourhoods walk the plank to banishment...