DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- It was almost 35 degrees Celsius outside, and Patrick Yoram Sudae and about a dozen other men were busy making traditional sandals from used car tires in the shade at Tabata-Relini along the Mandela Expressway in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam.
"I learned to make sandals from used car tires from my father," Sudae told Xinhua in a recent interview.
The 36-year-old father of three children turned to this venture about 20 years ago after he could not find a job for some time.
Sudae, who resides a stone's throw from his workplace, said the sandal-making business has enabled him and his family to earn a decent living.
"I can afford to pay school fees for my children from the income I get from these traditional sandals made from used car tires," he said. "The income I get also helps me pay for house rent."
Sudae said he is now saving to buy a plot to build a decent house of his own.
"We make sandals that everyone can afford, including those earning low income," he said.
On average, his business collects between 40 and 50 used car tires a day, from car yards and garages at an affordable price, Sudae said.
They work from dawn to dusk every day except on weekends and public holidays, he said.
A pair of sandals sells for 15,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 6 U.S. dollars) to 25,000 shillings (about 10 dollars), he said, adding that his customers are scattered across all 26 regions in mainland Tanzania.
His business helps cut waste and save the environment, Sudae said.
"Abandoned used tires don't decompose for a very long time. And when they are exposed to fire, they catch it very easily, which is dangerous not only to human beings but also to the environment," he said.
Remnants of tires left over from making sandals are sold to other companies dealing with recycling, Sudae said.
"We look at used car tires not only as an opportunity to earn a living but also as part of our obligation to clean the environment," he said.
Sudae said he wants to have better tools to make the sandals. "We are using local tools to make the sandals, but our business can be improved if we get modern machines."
"I plan to expand my business and continue to improve my family's welfare," he said. ■
