In the bustling Mesqel Flower area, rooftops of small cafes and shops wear a patchwork of objects as armor against the wind. Tires, wooden planks, and old containers cling to the corrugated sheets, keeping them from flying off during harsh weather. Each rooftop tells a story of materials that once served one purpose inside the home, now repurposed as guardians above. The scene also reflects Addis Abeba’s broader plastic disposal culture, where discarded containers, bottles, and other plastics often find new life in rooftops, fences, or street utilities instead of landfills. From this vantage point, the rooftops form a curious, almost artistic mosaic, turning practical necessity into a colorful canvas that captures both the resourcefulness and creativity of the neighborhood.

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