BBC reports that Carter had been gathering bicycles across Scotland to be shipped to Sudan, to help people who need access to cheap transport.
Decades of armed conflict have significantly contributed to Sudan’s current challenges. Sudan’s need for international aid is the result of a complex interplay of factors that have created a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
From ongoing conflict and economic instability to food insecurity and climate challenges, the situation in Sudan requires urgent attention to alleviate suffering and support recovery.
The country’s ongoing need for funding and aid has prompted continued global support from charity organizations. As of September 24, 141 aid trucks had crossed from Chad to Sudan via Adre border crossing point delivering 4,357 metric tonnes (MT) of food, nutrition, medical supplies, emergency shelter, and essential household items.
With the nation’s economy in shambles, citizens face severe shortages of essential resources like oil and fuel, making bicycles an increasingly valuable mode of transportation
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) blocked the shipment after an inspector deemed the bicycles unfit for purpose, noting that some required repairs.
The bikes were returned to Carter in Comrie, Perthshire, raising concerns they might end up being scrapped.
Carter explained that he had collected the bicycles from Scottish recycling centers to distribute to local charities, with any unclaimed bikes donated to a charity in Sudan.
Gary Walker, a waste manager at SEPA, stated that some of the bicycles required repairs before they could be considered suitable for reuse. The container was returned to Carter, who described the decision as “ludicrous” and expressed frustration over the shipping requirements.
Speaking to the BBC, Carter argued that there didn’t appear to be a clear standard for assessing the bicycles, suggesting the inspector’s decision was arbitrary. “It’s as whimsical as if someone were to have a bad day, they could refuse the container,” he said.
Carter argued that the issues raised by environmental authorities, such as oiling chains, rusted frames, and broken brake cables, were minor and could be easily fixed. He added that repairs would have been cheaper and easier in Sudan, as the receiving charity had selected the bikes and approved their condition
The bikes would have been used across Sudan for children to get to school or to help people run their businesses.
However, analysts have raised concerns over the continuous dumping of hazardous waste in Africa through imports.
A report by the European Environmental Bureau highlights that while second-hand products are exported from the EU to Africa for reuse, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees paid by producers to support waste management costs often do not accompany these goods.
In simpler terms, when waste, or unfit products are shipped from Europe to African countries, the waste burden is shifted from Europe to African communities. This is not only a financial burden, but also an environmental, social and health-related one.
