The UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub recently engaged with communities in Accra to better understand the everyday realities shaping urban life and health. A key focus was the iconic “trotro” transport system and its multifaceted impacts. Through conversations with tabletop traders and station drivers in areas like Madina, we gained valuable insights into the complex interplay between transportation, air quality, economic pressures, and the well-being of residents who live and work alongside these vital, yet often polluting, vehicles.
For tabletop and petty traders operating near trotro routes, the daily reality involves a trade-off between livelihood and health. While aware that emissions and dust contribute to colds and respiratory issues, their primary concern often lies elsewhere. The dust generated by trotros, particularly on untarred roads, is a major nuisance. Interestingly, some traders noted that muddy conditions after rain, while inconvenient, actually help suppress dust. Despite acknowledging the health implications, relocating is often undesirable due to the fear of losing established customer bases and the uncertainty of business success in a new location, highlighting the economic constraints that keep them exposed.
Insights from drivers at the Madina Main Station, some with over two decades of experience, revealed their direct health concerns, linking trotro smoke to headaches and colds. Economic factors heavily influence their operational choices. Quality fuel and engine oil, while recognized as better for performance and potentially emissions, are often prohibitively expensive. This forces reliance on cheaper, lower-quality alternatives. Furthermore, many acknowledged that their vehicles struggle to meet official Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) standards, and lack awareness of specific regulations like the emissions tax.
Drivers at the Pantan Abokobi Station echoed similar challenges, often viewing the health effects of fumes as a normalized part of the job. They pointed to the prevalence of old, imported trotros arriving with pre-existing technical faults, including poor engine conditions that lead to excessive exhaust fumes. The primary focus, driven by necessity, is simply keeping the vehicles operational. Compounding the issue are poor road conditions, which drivers desperately want addressed, and fuel quality concerns, including instances of fuel being mixed with kerosene. The high cost of parts, particularly engines, forces many to purchase used or substandard replacements, further perpetuating the cycle of poorly maintained vehicles struggling to pass formal roadworthy inspections.
These community conversations underscore the intricate challenges surrounding Accra’s trotro system. Health impacts from emissions and dust are recognized but often overshadowed by economic imperatives for both traders and drivers. The prevalence of aging vehicles, the use of substandard fuel and parts due to cost, difficulties in meeting regulatory standards, and inadequate road infrastructure all contribute to the problem. Addressing this requires a holistic approach that considers not only environmental regulations but also the economic realities of those reliant on the trotro system and the urgent need for improvements.
