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Tuareg Trails of Tomorrow: Re-imagining Arlit’s Future along Ancient Trade Routes

Part 2 Project 2024
Blessing Sulaiman
University of Westminster | UK
This project explores the significant social and environmental effects that the Arlit community has faced over the previous forty years. Aquifer pollution and widespread desert mining operations have caused severe damage to the Sub-Saharan landscape.

Profits from mining have exceeded 311 million euros for French government-backed enterprises, such as Oreno (formerly Areva), even though Niger is ranked 187th out of 191 nations in the UN Development Index. Radiation levels in water wells in Arlit and Akokan are 500 times higher than typical UN norms, endangering the health of about 80,000 local residents.

Using electrostatic sand harvesters, that utilise solar energy stored in batteries to provide an energy potential capable of capturing hazardous airborne dust, to treat this environmental scar.

My concept is unique in that it incorporates cultural practices that were formerly essential to the Tuareg community's existence. It also seeks to revive the historical relevance of these ancient roads by creating a new, secure commerce route.

Blessing Sulaiman

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2024
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