Introduction
It is not shiny. It is not futuristic. It is made from wood, and it does not even have an engine. And yet the Chukudu is one of the most important modes of transportation in Goma in the Eastern Congo.
The Chukudu
The Chukudu is well adapted to its environment. It is sturdy enough to carry up to 500 kg! It is narrow enough to navigate narrow streets and busy markets. It can be pushed on bumpy roads. And the farms around Goma are on a higher elevation than the city, which means that most products have to go downhill. For that reason, the missing propulsion system is not an issue.
To see a Chukudu in action, and how they are built, watch this video by Deutsche Welle:
Business Impact
Another thing that makes the Chukudu special is that it empowers local businesses. Farmers and businesses profit from this adaptable mode of transportation that works on Goma’s often unpaved roads. But also the drivers of the Chukudu, who are often the owners as well, can make a living from it. And as the Chukudu is also built locally, the whole value creation happens within the region.
A Chukudu costs about $100 - $200 and thus is much cheaper than a motorcycle. It only takes 3 days to build a new one. And it also has virtually no operating costs. A Chukudu driver can earn 10 to 15 dollars per day.
The Chukudu has become an icon of Goma, and the city’s inhabitants also erected a statue to honor it and its drivers.
Outlook
The niche in which the Chukudu is operating is in danger of vanishing. “Three hills” cargo tricycles, which are cheaply imported from China and India, are now a serious competition.
But for the moment, the Chukudu remains an ingenious solution for a region that needs a cheap and robust mode of transport. In addition, it brings employment. And it is also good for the environment, both in production and in operation. This makes it a truly unique invention in today’s often over-engineered world!