East African e-Commerce platform SokoWatch has introduced electric tuk tuks (auto rickshaws) in Uganda, a first in the region.
This move experts say, could reduce fleet maintenance costs by more than 50% and help reduce the capital city, Kampala’s high pollution levels.
The air quality in Kampala Uganda, was two years ago, found to be six times higher than the World Health Organization- WHO – recommended limits.
The city is often plagued by gridlock and in an effort to beat the mess, motorcycle taxis and auto rickshaws that can manoeuvre the tight spaces, flood the roads. This pushes air and noise pollution levels even higher.
SokoWatch has so far deployed eight locally assembled electric tuk tuks in Uganda, and is looking to deploy an additional eight in Rwanda before rolling out the vehicles to Kenya and Tanzania.