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WELLS ON WHEELS


WELLS ON WHEELS

A man delivers jerrycans of water around the Ayat neighbourhood. Acute water shortages are ubiquitous in Addis Abeba, with most urbanites having grown accustomed to running water three days a week. While over 230 underground wells contribute to the Legdadi, Gefersa, and Dire dams, the capital's water supply is barely adequate to meet the demand. A population last counted nearly two decades ago is severely underserved by the close to 0.5 million cubic meters coursing daily through the pipes.

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IRON JUNGLE

Somewhere between “Monday morning motivation” and “this job definitely didn't come with a user manual,” a lone artisan of steel crouches in the middle of what looks like a metal jungle gym designed by a very ambitious architect. Armed with a welding mask, gloves, and the kind of focus that says “I have seen things you wouldn't believe,” he wrestles with a stubborn piece of machinery that looks like it lost an argument with gravity years ago and never recovered. Around him: a fores...


In-Picture

STREET SPARKS

At Gabon Street near Meskel Flower Roundabout, a multi-deck car carrier stacked with brightly modified rally vehicles moves through the capital's grey afternoon, drawing attention without trying too hard. The convoy feels out of place in the daily rhythm of traffic, yet it signals something bigger taking shape beneath the surface. These purpose-built machines point to a growing motorsport and automotive subculture finding space in the city's evolving leisure economy. As Addis Ababa continues...


In-Picture

SMILE CRAFT

In the heart of 4 Kilo, tradition is still very much in business. The city's most underrated essential accessory is on full display: the humble Miswak also known as mefaqiya in Amharic. No toothpaste needed, just grab it and go like past generations. It's a reminder that success doesn't always arrive in grand announcements, it gets built, stubbornly and patiently, one small branch at a time. Even ambition here has a manual setting. Keep your focus sharp, your intentions cleaner than freshly p...