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(dramatic ominous music)
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(relaxing upbeat African instrumental music)
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(truck rumbling)
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In the heart of West Africa,
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people drive on roads which don't deserve to be called that.
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They are dusty dirt tracks which don't appear on any maps
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that can only be traveled on with great effort
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and during a few months of the year.
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Risk is a passenger on every trip.
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(horse neighing)
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(trucks rumbling)
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(sand hissing)
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{\an8}(ominous chiming music)
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{\an8}(birds chirping)
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In Mali's bushland in the savanna
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of this West African country
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there are a few fully developed roads.
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The dirt tracks seem to make erratic lines
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on the parched planes.
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(taxi rumbling)
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Most people here don't own a car.
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Minibuses, pickups and lorries commute
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between the villages.
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On market days there is intense activity,
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many traders and customers along the road.
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Since the dirt tracks are unpredictable
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and the vehicles are in bad shape,
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each trip becomes an adventure.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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In the past few years Abdulai Dombele has been driving
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for a transport entrepreneur.
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He's a focused driver because no one is immune
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to unwanted surprises on the dusty dirt tracks.
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Abdulai knows many of his passengers.
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In order to keep them happy,
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he talks to them.
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He wants them to feel that they are in safe hands.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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Accidents happen all the time here.
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There are so many bends in our roads.
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God has blessed me with luck.
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Since I've been working I've not had an accident yet,
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but cars keep tipping over.
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The roads are in bad condition.
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Not a month goes by when you don't hear
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of a car having tipped over.
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The drivers who are not from here,
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they just go too fast.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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Abdulai's passengers are traders and merchants.
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They travel from market to market to sell that goods.
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They only take the minibus in the dry periods.
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When the rains come they travel in boats.
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Cars would get bogged down in the mud and water.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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We are done for when the water disappears
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between Diafarabe and Tenenkou
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Then there are a lot of potholes and the dust is awful.
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Now it's just torture,
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but that's the way it is.
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Whatever work you do,
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you can't run away from it.
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Only when God releases you,
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you can get away from it.
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For about seven months,
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between October and May, it's dry.
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Then it's high season for transports over land.
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As soon as the first rain comes the region turns
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into one huge sheet of water.
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(relaxing ominous music)
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In Central Mali in the Massina region,
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the River Niger,
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one of the mightiest rivers in the world,
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floods large areas.
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The dirt tracks disappear.
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Only when the water retreats can the villages be reached
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by vehicle again.
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(relaxing African instrumental music)
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(wind howling)
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What is left is sand and dust.
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The dry, hot northeast wind from the Sahara,
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the Harmattan brings even more dust.
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In March and April the temperature sores to over 50 degrees.
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It's misty for weeks on end.
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Vehicles have trouble picking their way between broken earth
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and washed out faults.
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It takes time for new dirt tracks to be created.
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(people shouting in foreign language)
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The heat makes people short-tempered.
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An argument between the carriers who are loading up a truck.
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What's it about?
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Probably only the one who is most upset knows for sure.
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His coworker said that the racket won't last long.
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They prefer to preserve their strength.
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The work is strenuous.
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Countless bags of onions, dried fish,
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millet, spices and mangoes
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need to be loaded onto the lorries.
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They often weigh 30,
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40 or more kilos.
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There is hardly anything that isn't taken on,
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be it an individual piece or a mass product.
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It's all a question of price,
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space and good will.
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(drums clanging to the ground)
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To ensure that the lorries don't tip over,
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the heavy stuff goes at the bottom,
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into the middle if possible.
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Seeko Indaye knows about the importance of correct loading.
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He and his colleague,
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Diajay Maiga have been driving their lorry
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through the Savanna half their lives.
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Although they are not blood related
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and each is his own boss,
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they feel like brothers.
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Togetherness in the bush and the challenges
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of the job have forged a bond over the years.
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The routes are dangerous.
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At first, it seems easy to drive between the bushes
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and trees but if you go fast,
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accidents are quick to happen,
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especially around bends.
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Traffic has increased.
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There are more mopeds,
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more cars and more donkey carts driven by the villagers.
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If you think,
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I know the way,
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there are no potholes and you drive fast,
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you can easily bump into a cart driver or a moped,
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or you crash into another car.
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(people chatting in foreign language)
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Next up after the goods are the animals.
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They travel together with their owners.
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To make sure nothing is lost during the trip,
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the load is secured with ropes,
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chords and straps.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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Diajay and Seeko are responsible
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for the transport.
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They have to make good for any loss or damage.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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The passengers are the last to come onboard.
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How they get up there is up to them.
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They take their goods onboard too,
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so they can always keep an eye on them.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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It takes time for everyone to find their place.
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The people wait in the heat for the departure.
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There are always arguments about who sits where?
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On top of the driver's cab is the most comfortable place.
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Hey, tell him to fix the water canister.
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The water canister,
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take it off there and fix it here.
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Whenever possible, Diajay
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and Seeko drive in a convoy.
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That way the drivers can help each other out
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in the event of an accident or breakdown.
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(truck rumbling)
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Some late comers arrive who also want to travel.
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The drivers wait for them.
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They depend on every single customer.
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(truck rumbling)
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As long as Diajay
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and Seeko don't arrive too late at the next station,
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no one will complain.
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For now, everyone is glad
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that the trucks are finally moving,
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(truck rumbling)
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even if there are initial difficulties.
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The passengers are stoic about the fact
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that the trucks drive too closely to the trees
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and they get hit by branches.
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If there were going any faster,
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this could cause serious injuries.
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(upbeat African instrumental music)
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The trucks struggle through the savanna like swaying ships.
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The land is dusty and dry.
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(upbeat African instrumental music)
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(truck rumbling)
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Strangers would get lost on these trails
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as there are no signposts showing
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which dirt track leads where and when.
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Seeko knows the region like the back of his hand.
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Even so, he has to concentrate.
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(Seeko speaking in foreign language)
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If you have a full load, for example,
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and there are people sitting on top of that,
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you have to be careful how you drive
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because they could be sleepy.
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If they doze off,
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don't hold on and the car tips to one side,
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they could fall off.
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And they could also fall off in bends if you go too fast.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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(truck rumbling)
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The passengers who sit on the edge
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have to make sure the hard spikes
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of the thorn bushes don't hit them in the face.
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Their eyes are smarting and their strength is waning.
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The heat and the dust make you tired.
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But the people watch out for each other,
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after all, they're all not in the same boat,
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but on the same truck.
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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(truck rumbling)
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(lady speaking in foreign language)
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If you get on and don't hold on properly,
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you fall off.
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That's why we sit close together.
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You have to hold on to someone else
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who will hold on to another person.
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If there are too many people,
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that's no good.
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Why did I get on the truck?
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Because the driver is careful,
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also because the road is not good.
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The driver is responsible for me and he's driving slowly.
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(vehicle honking)
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Abdulai Thembele has stopped his minibus
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for a break in Dia,
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a small village along the dirt track.
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Some of the passengers have got off
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and new ones get on to get to the market.
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It's up to the drivers to make sure they
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have enough customers.
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There are a lot of minibuses competing and word gets around
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which car is more comfortable and faster,
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and which vehicle always breaks down.
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Careful and responsible driving also matters.
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But above all,
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people use minibuses as a means
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of transport are in a hurry.
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(vehicle honking)
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(vehicle rattling)
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(people speaking in foreign language)
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It's important for Abdulai to arrive safely.
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The paths themselves are packing a punch
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and he doesn't want to take additional risks
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by driving callously.
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(Abdulai speaking in foreign language)
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It is normal on the bad paths
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that there are no petrol stations along the way
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and they take long.
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You need the entire day just for one way.
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You can't go back and forth twice.
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You can only drive one way in one day
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because the way is so difficult.
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(dramatic ominous music)
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(windows rattling)
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Through the cracks,
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dust gets into the minibus.
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It gets into everything including the passengers pores.
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There is more dust than air to breathe.
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The temperature rises to almost 60 degrees.
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Your skin dries out.
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There's no escape.
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Grit your teeth and hold on.
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(dramatic ominous instrumental music)
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(windows rattling)
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(wind howling)
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People have to put up
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with great hardship all because of the bad roads.
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The drivers also have problems.
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It's slippery everywhere because they refuse
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to upgrade the roads.
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If the roads were good,
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many mishaps wouldn't happen.
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But this is part of our work as traders.
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If we didn't have that,
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we wouldn't be traveling here.
271
00:14:17,919 --> 00:14:22,419
(dramatic ominous instrumental music)
272
00:14:26,530 --> 00:14:28,649
(vehicle honking)
273
00:14:28,649 --> 00:14:32,092
(truck rumbling)
274
00:14:32,092 --> 00:14:36,600
(upbeat African instrumental music)
275
00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:39,680
In places where hardly anyone travels
276
00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:42,510
and vehicles rarely break the Savanna's silence
277
00:14:42,510 --> 00:14:43,730
with their noise,
278
00:14:43,730 --> 00:14:46,620
there is hustle and bustle on market days.
279
00:14:46,620 --> 00:14:49,203
It's rush hour on Mali's dirt tracks.
280
00:14:51,460 --> 00:14:55,320
The roads are full of people and their animals.
281
00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:58,860
Since the dirt tracks are not made for a lot of vehicles,
282
00:14:58,860 --> 00:15:02,222
dicey situations occur again and again.
283
00:15:02,222 --> 00:15:03,960
(horse neighing)
284
00:15:03,960 --> 00:15:05,759
(vehicle rumbling by on crunching gravel)
285
00:15:05,759 --> 00:15:08,509
(horse neighing)
286
00:15:10,035 --> 00:15:12,072
(horse huffing)
287
00:15:12,072 --> 00:15:16,284
(horse neighing)
(vehicle honking)
288
00:15:16,284 --> 00:15:19,400
(man speaking in foreign language)
289
00:15:19,400 --> 00:15:21,560
Did you see when he went by us so closely
290
00:15:21,560 --> 00:15:24,956
we bent forwards to protect ourselves from the dust.
291
00:15:24,956 --> 00:15:26,585
That's why we fear the car.
292
00:15:26,585 --> 00:15:28,630
Horse and carts are better.
293
00:15:28,630 --> 00:15:29,763
We don't like cars.
294
00:15:31,610 --> 00:15:33,523
They get up to a lot of nonsense.
295
00:15:35,010 --> 00:15:36,633
We drive very slowly.
296
00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:38,553
I'm afraid of cars.
297
00:15:40,285 --> 00:15:42,260
(horses clip-clopping)
298
00:15:42,260 --> 00:15:45,260
Since minibuses and trucks started driving
299
00:15:45,260 --> 00:15:47,330
on the dirt tracks along with the donkey
300
00:15:47,330 --> 00:15:49,829
and horse carts there have been more accidents.
301
00:15:49,829 --> 00:15:50,700
(motorbike engine rumbling)
302
00:15:50,700 --> 00:15:54,160
The different speeds don't go together well.
303
00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:56,540
The horses are spooked because they're not used
304
00:15:56,540 --> 00:15:59,590
to having cars speed past them like lightning.
305
00:15:59,590 --> 00:16:01,711
They are used to a different pace.
306
00:16:01,711 --> 00:16:04,416
(horse clip-clopping)
307
00:16:04,416 --> 00:16:05,861
(horse huffing)
308
00:16:05,861 --> 00:16:08,060
(cart creaking)
309
00:16:08,060 --> 00:16:10,650
Life in the savanna has a more leisurely rhythm
310
00:16:10,650 --> 00:16:12,160
than life in the city.
311
00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:13,460
For these people a horse
312
00:16:13,460 --> 00:16:16,960
and cart is still the most affordable means of transport.
313
00:16:16,960 --> 00:16:19,690
It doesn't need a petrol station or garage.
314
00:16:19,690 --> 00:16:23,538
Minibuses are a threat to this infrastructure.
315
00:16:23,538 --> 00:16:27,270
(people speaking in foreign language)
316
00:16:27,270 --> 00:16:30,370
There is competition between us, absolutely.
317
00:16:30,370 --> 00:16:32,950
They don't want us to transport people.
318
00:16:32,950 --> 00:16:35,180
If everyone can make some money, that's good,
319
00:16:35,180 --> 00:16:37,520
but they want to take all our passengers
320
00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:39,070
and we're left with nothing.
321
00:16:39,070 --> 00:16:40,120
That's the way it is.
322
00:16:42,070 --> 00:16:44,270
The horse and donkey carts are still
323
00:16:44,270 --> 00:16:45,323
in the majority.
324
00:16:46,270 --> 00:16:49,560
The horse and cart approaches Diondiori
325
00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:51,586
where there's a market day today.
326
00:16:51,586 --> 00:16:54,419
(truck rumbling)
327
00:16:55,750 --> 00:16:58,550
The passengers on the two trucks have also arrived
328
00:16:58,550 --> 00:17:01,643
in Diondiori after the trip through the bushland.
329
00:17:05,050 --> 00:17:07,490
Diajay is relieved every time
330
00:17:07,490 --> 00:17:09,900
the transport goes smoothly.
331
00:17:09,900 --> 00:17:13,060
Although the villages are not far from each other, 20,
332
00:17:13,060 --> 00:17:16,280
30 or 50 kilometers at the most,
333
00:17:16,280 --> 00:17:19,580
traveling through the wasteland is tiring even
334
00:17:19,580 --> 00:17:21,994
for seasoned lorry drivers.
335
00:17:21,994 --> 00:17:23,952
(people speaking in foreign language)
336
00:17:23,952 --> 00:17:26,787
(motorbike engine rumbling)
337
00:17:26,787 --> 00:17:29,870
As the lorries arrive they are unloaded.
338
00:17:29,870 --> 00:17:32,330
The market only lasts for a few hours,
339
00:17:32,330 --> 00:17:35,513
so traders and customers want to make full use of them.
340
00:17:36,350 --> 00:17:38,510
The drivers would like a break,
341
00:17:38,510 --> 00:17:42,810
but Diajay and Seeko have to inspect their lorries.
342
00:17:42,810 --> 00:17:45,561
They know that some things need repairing.
343
00:17:45,561 --> 00:17:47,530
(vehicle honking)
344
00:17:47,530 --> 00:17:52,030
(people chatting in foreign language)
345
00:17:55,294 --> 00:17:59,530
Abdulai has also arrived in Diondiori with his minibus.
346
00:17:59,530 --> 00:18:01,760
He helps the passengers get out.
347
00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,740
Happy customers are important to him.
348
00:18:04,740 --> 00:18:07,500
He hopes that his guests value his helpfulness
349
00:18:07,500 --> 00:18:11,294
and friendly manner and will travel with him again.
350
00:18:11,294 --> 00:18:15,794
(people speaking in foreign language)
351
00:18:18,283 --> 00:18:19,809
(motorbike engine rumbling)
352
00:18:19,809 --> 00:18:21,940
(vehicle honking)
353
00:18:21,940 --> 00:18:24,853
The Diondiori market is right on the River Niger.
354
00:18:25,840 --> 00:18:29,800
In the dry season it can only be reached over land.
355
00:18:29,800 --> 00:18:32,770
Since there are no shops in most of the villages,
356
00:18:32,770 --> 00:18:35,430
people have to go to the markets.
357
00:18:35,430 --> 00:18:38,680
It's one of the few opportunities to do business
358
00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:40,823
and get the necessary supplies.
359
00:18:42,322 --> 00:18:43,607
(hammer thudding)
360
00:18:43,607 --> 00:18:45,653
(sheep bleating)
361
00:18:45,653 --> 00:18:49,580
Diajay and Seeko's apprentices only fix things they
362
00:18:49,580 --> 00:18:51,110
have a knack for.
363
00:18:51,110 --> 00:18:53,700
Usually, that's the small stuff,
364
00:18:53,700 --> 00:18:56,950
screws that have got loose from vibration,
365
00:18:56,950 --> 00:18:59,760
or the bonnet that won't close.
366
00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:01,240
Since the lorries are old,
367
00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:03,762
something always needs fixing.
368
00:19:03,762 --> 00:19:06,772
(people speaking in foreign language)
369
00:19:06,772 --> 00:19:09,605
(metal clanging)
370
00:19:10,970 --> 00:19:13,130
When you've been driving for a week,
371
00:19:13,130 --> 00:19:15,173
you need to check the entire car.
372
00:19:16,570 --> 00:19:18,360
We were supposed to rest today
373
00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:21,570
but if we did it wouldn't be good.
374
00:19:21,570 --> 00:19:23,030
We need to check the car.
375
00:19:23,030 --> 00:19:24,360
What happened on the trip?
376
00:19:24,360 --> 00:19:26,370
Where did something get torn off?
377
00:19:26,370 --> 00:19:27,840
What's come loose?
378
00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:29,823
We need to maintain it all the time.
379
00:19:31,226 --> 00:19:34,230
(people speaking in foreign language)
380
00:19:34,230 --> 00:19:36,000
On the last trip there was a problem
381
00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:37,075
with the starter.
382
00:19:37,075 --> 00:19:41,610
Diajay suspects that there's an issue with the alternator.
383
00:19:41,610 --> 00:19:44,470
Together with his apprentice he goes to a garage
384
00:19:44,470 --> 00:19:47,420
on the edge of the market to have it checked.
385
00:19:47,420 --> 00:19:50,240
Only larger villages have mechanics.
386
00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:53,170
If Diajay's lorry breaks down in the bush,
387
00:19:53,170 --> 00:19:55,123
he's out on his own.
388
00:19:55,123 --> 00:19:58,322
(vehicle revving)
389
00:19:58,322 --> 00:20:01,780
(people speaking in foreign language)
390
00:20:01,780 --> 00:20:04,160
Diajay knows his lorry's kinks
391
00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:06,550
and glitches very well.
392
00:20:06,550 --> 00:20:09,920
Before he goes out on the dirt track again tomorrow,
393
00:20:09,920 --> 00:20:13,718
he wants to make sure that his truck is in a good state.
394
00:20:13,718 --> 00:20:16,017
(motorbike engine idling)
395
00:20:16,017 --> 00:20:19,334
(upbeat African instrumental music)
396
00:20:19,334 --> 00:20:22,167
(birds chirping)
397
00:20:26,730 --> 00:20:29,500
The market finishes in the early evening.
398
00:20:29,500 --> 00:20:31,820
People are going home.
399
00:20:31,820 --> 00:20:36,043
The wind blowing the dust across the savanna has died down.
400
00:20:36,900 --> 00:20:39,980
Temperatures will cool off overnight,
401
00:20:39,980 --> 00:20:42,365
but only for a few hours.
402
00:20:42,365 --> 00:20:46,698
(upbeat African instrumental music)
403
00:20:52,992 --> 00:20:56,659
(people swimming festively)
404
00:20:58,800 --> 00:21:02,420
Diajay has taken some customers and their goods
405
00:21:02,420 --> 00:21:05,830
to a remote village before sunrise.
406
00:21:05,830 --> 00:21:09,480
He's traveling in the land of the Pearl,
407
00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:11,310
a tribe of cattle farmers
408
00:21:11,310 --> 00:21:14,849
who live as nomads all over Western Africa.
409
00:21:14,849 --> 00:21:17,620
(cattle bellowing)
410
00:21:17,620 --> 00:21:21,120
The Pearl roam the savanna with their cattle,
411
00:21:21,120 --> 00:21:23,870
always looking for food for their animals.
412
00:21:23,870 --> 00:21:26,190
(cows mooing)
413
00:21:26,190 --> 00:21:28,800
Except for animals and a few shepherds,
414
00:21:28,800 --> 00:21:31,270
Diajay meets no one.
415
00:21:31,270 --> 00:21:34,530
If his truck breaks down now he will be alone
416
00:21:34,530 --> 00:21:35,740
with his apprentice,
417
00:21:35,740 --> 00:21:38,350
a helper and a few passengers.
418
00:21:38,350 --> 00:21:41,750
There's no mobile reception for getting help.
419
00:21:41,750 --> 00:21:43,393
It's an eerie emptiness.
420
00:21:44,431 --> 00:21:48,410
(Diajay speaking in foreign language)
421
00:21:48,410 --> 00:21:51,600
There are no mechanics, no garages,
422
00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:54,570
no spare parts depots along the way.
423
00:21:54,570 --> 00:21:56,883
If we break down we need to fix it ourselves.
424
00:21:58,200 --> 00:22:01,940
Sometimes there are highwaymen and that can be scary.
425
00:22:01,940 --> 00:22:03,393
It's happened to me twice.
426
00:22:04,510 --> 00:22:05,980
They made people get off the car
427
00:22:05,980 --> 00:22:08,010
and had to lie down on the ground.
428
00:22:08,010 --> 00:22:10,250
They searched their pockets and took off.
429
00:22:10,250 --> 00:22:11,380
They let everyone go on.
430
00:22:11,380 --> 00:22:12,360
They didn't kill anyone.
431
00:22:12,360 --> 00:22:13,650
They didn't even shoot their guns.
432
00:22:13,650 --> 00:22:15,250
They just shoot the air,
433
00:22:15,250 --> 00:22:17,783
threaten you, take your money and disappear again.
434
00:22:25,632 --> 00:22:28,382
(truck rumbling)
435
00:22:29,549 --> 00:22:32,299
(horse neighing)
436
00:22:36,291 --> 00:22:37,697
(horse huffing)
437
00:22:37,697 --> 00:22:39,670
(metal on truck clanging)
438
00:22:39,670 --> 00:22:42,870
Today, bandits are not the problem.
439
00:22:42,870 --> 00:22:45,070
Diajay feels that something is wrong
440
00:22:45,070 --> 00:22:46,563
with the truck's chassis.
441
00:22:47,431 --> 00:22:51,681
(tires crunching on gravel)
442
00:22:51,681 --> 00:22:54,005
(truck rumbling)
443
00:22:54,005 --> 00:22:56,680
(Diajay speaking in foreign language)
444
00:22:56,680 --> 00:22:59,323
He calls his apprentice to check what's wrong.
445
00:23:00,399 --> 00:23:03,149
(truck rumbling)
446
00:23:05,162 --> 00:23:06,750
(breaks squeaking)
447
00:23:06,750 --> 00:23:11,333
(Diajay speaking in foreign language)
448
00:23:12,970 --> 00:23:14,223
I'll get off.
449
00:23:16,407 --> 00:23:17,240
(truck door banging)
450
00:23:17,240 --> 00:23:19,490
Move the prop shaft a bit.
451
00:23:19,490 --> 00:23:22,310
Oh, just shake it a bit and check it.
452
00:23:22,310 --> 00:23:23,273
Look at the back.
453
00:23:25,240 --> 00:23:26,840
Twist the prop shaft to and for.
454
00:23:28,169 --> 00:23:30,919
(truck rumbling)
455
00:23:33,637 --> 00:23:36,350
(people speaking in foreign language)
456
00:23:36,350 --> 00:23:38,410
In the center, check the center.
457
00:23:38,410 --> 00:23:40,300
What's it like, still working?
458
00:23:40,300 --> 00:23:41,610
If it's still okay, that's fine.
459
00:23:41,610 --> 00:23:44,378
We'll change the ball bearings when we get there.
460
00:23:44,378 --> 00:23:46,940
(truck rumbling)
461
00:23:46,940 --> 00:23:49,023
Do we continue?
We're off?
462
00:23:51,150 --> 00:23:53,820
Although his apprentice didn't find anything,
463
00:23:53,820 --> 00:23:56,100
Diajay wants to be on the safe side.
464
00:23:56,100 --> 00:23:59,350
He prefers to trust his instincts and experience,
465
00:23:59,350 --> 00:24:01,260
instead of assuming that the ball bearings
466
00:24:01,260 --> 00:24:03,515
of the prop shaft will hold out.
467
00:24:03,515 --> 00:24:06,220
(Diajay speaking in foreign language)
468
00:24:06,220 --> 00:24:08,060
Not two weeks go by without us having
469
00:24:08,060 --> 00:24:09,860
to weld something.
470
00:24:09,860 --> 00:24:11,270
These trucks are old.
471
00:24:11,270 --> 00:24:13,630
We weld something on every trip.
472
00:24:13,630 --> 00:24:15,900
You set off and something breaks and you need
473
00:24:15,900 --> 00:24:17,283
to change the spring.
474
00:24:21,037 --> 00:24:25,370
(upbeat African instrumental music)
475
00:24:30,143 --> 00:24:32,430
Diajay and Seeko drive
476
00:24:32,430 --> 00:24:34,360
a legendary French vehicle,
477
00:24:34,360 --> 00:24:36,120
a Beliet lorry.
478
00:24:36,120 --> 00:24:39,070
Even though production stopped over 30 years ago,
479
00:24:39,070 --> 00:24:41,920
Seeko can't think of a better lorry for the desert
480
00:24:41,920 --> 00:24:43,561
and the savanna.
481
00:24:43,561 --> 00:24:46,200
(truck rumbling)
482
00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:48,900
This Beliet is my fifth one, the fifth.
483
00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:51,333
We never sold any of them.
484
00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:54,823
We drive them until they break down.
485
00:24:56,170 --> 00:24:59,470
Only when they don't work anymore we'll buy a new one.
486
00:24:59,470 --> 00:25:02,660
The broken lorries are spare part stocks for this one.
487
00:25:02,660 --> 00:25:05,320
One of the broken ones is our pharmacy.
488
00:25:05,320 --> 00:25:07,330
If anything is missing here we'll take it out
489
00:25:07,330 --> 00:25:08,730
of there and put it in here.
490
00:25:10,409 --> 00:25:14,742
(upbeat African instrumental music)
491
00:25:19,867 --> 00:25:22,617
(truck rumbling)
492
00:25:30,534 --> 00:25:34,880
(truck breaks squeaking)
(motorbike engine rumbling)
493
00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:36,810
(people speaking in foreign language)
494
00:25:36,810 --> 00:25:38,030
Back in town,
495
00:25:38,030 --> 00:25:41,000
Diajay wants to get replacement ball bearings
496
00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:42,730
for his prop shaft.
497
00:25:42,730 --> 00:25:45,600
Since there is no supplier for parts like that,
498
00:25:45,600 --> 00:25:48,880
he checks one of Seeko's old Beliet lorries.
499
00:25:48,880 --> 00:25:51,602
It was left on the edge of a square.
500
00:25:51,602 --> 00:25:54,887
(people speaking in foreign language)
501
00:25:54,887 --> 00:25:57,720
(birds chirping)
502
00:26:00,710 --> 00:26:02,870
Diajay and his apprentice check
503
00:26:02,870 --> 00:26:05,410
if the ball bearings really are better
504
00:26:05,410 --> 00:26:07,530
than the ones in his truck.
505
00:26:07,530 --> 00:26:09,010
The men are skeptical.
506
00:26:09,010 --> 00:26:11,463
Diajay prefers to buy new ones.
507
00:26:12,488 --> 00:26:14,477
(people speaking in foreign language)
508
00:26:14,477 --> 00:26:15,840
(motorbike rumbles to a start)
509
00:26:15,840 --> 00:26:18,960
Diajay would never take his truck to the next bigger town
510
00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:21,130
where there is a spare parts depot.
511
00:26:21,130 --> 00:26:24,380
He would be gone for days and his losses would be enormous.
512
00:26:24,380 --> 00:26:26,161
That's why he asks Abdulai.
513
00:26:26,161 --> 00:26:28,230
(people speaking in foreign language)
514
00:26:28,230 --> 00:26:29,940
The center ball bearing is no good.
515
00:26:29,940 --> 00:26:31,683
We checked it and it's unusable.
516
00:26:32,650 --> 00:26:34,700
When you go to Djenne can you get me one?
517
00:26:35,790 --> 00:26:38,210
No problem, I can bring you on.
518
00:26:38,210 --> 00:26:39,610
Will you make it to Massina?
519
00:26:42,250 --> 00:26:44,250
We'll make it to Massina.
520
00:26:46,650 --> 00:26:47,930
When I go to Djenne I'll look
521
00:26:47,930 --> 00:26:48,763
for one for you.
522
00:26:49,775 --> 00:26:51,186
(people speaking in foreign language)
523
00:26:51,186 --> 00:26:54,186
(donkey hee-hawing)
524
00:26:55,820 --> 00:26:58,220
Once a week is cleaning day.
525
00:26:58,220 --> 00:27:01,570
The lorries should shine in their old glory.
526
00:27:01,570 --> 00:27:03,963
It's a task for Diajay's apprentice.
527
00:27:06,419 --> 00:27:09,347
(metal clanging)
528
00:27:09,347 --> 00:27:12,313
We wash the engine so it can recover.
529
00:27:13,340 --> 00:27:14,710
When there's a lot of dirt on it,
530
00:27:14,710 --> 00:27:15,693
it gets hot.
531
00:27:16,630 --> 00:27:18,430
That's why we remove the oil and everything,
532
00:27:18,430 --> 00:27:20,043
then it won't get so hot.
533
00:27:21,770 --> 00:27:23,670
And it can also happen that the engine is covered
534
00:27:23,670 --> 00:27:26,730
in dirt and then a screw falls off somewhere
535
00:27:26,730 --> 00:27:29,320
and you can't even see it because of all the dirt.
536
00:27:29,320 --> 00:27:30,153
You see nothing.
537
00:27:33,260 --> 00:27:36,350
The water from the River Niger inspires the men
538
00:27:36,350 --> 00:27:39,150
to clean especially thoroughly, and also,
539
00:27:39,150 --> 00:27:42,263
because the whole process is a refreshment for them.
540
00:27:43,883 --> 00:27:46,233
Oh man, that part is a disaster.
541
00:27:47,140 --> 00:27:48,240
Couldn't be any worse.
542
00:27:50,280 --> 00:27:51,970
Look, (indistinct),
543
00:27:51,970 --> 00:27:54,840
you start before sunrise and drive until four o'clock
544
00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:55,690
in the afternoon.
545
00:27:56,690 --> 00:27:59,380
If there was a road with tarmac to Tenenkou,
546
00:27:59,380 --> 00:28:01,030
we'd need no more than two hours.
547
00:28:02,430 --> 00:28:04,580
Yes, no more than two hours.
548
00:28:08,930 --> 00:28:10,950
Before the trip can continue,
549
00:28:10,950 --> 00:28:13,053
a flat tire needs changing.
550
00:28:14,855 --> 00:28:16,255
Are you done?
551
00:28:17,130 --> 00:28:19,260
Let's go, it's okay like this.
552
00:28:19,260 --> 00:28:20,093
Put it in.
553
00:28:20,093 --> 00:28:22,040
If the nuts don't do in easily, leave them.
554
00:28:24,330 --> 00:28:25,500
Your pettiness bothers me.
555
00:28:25,500 --> 00:28:27,520
You always keep a sharp eye on me.
556
00:28:27,520 --> 00:28:30,240
Do your job and let me do mine.
557
00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:31,740
You're making me nervous here.
558
00:28:33,978 --> 00:28:36,180
(truck rumbling)
559
00:28:36,180 --> 00:28:39,280
It's late before the lorries can leave.
560
00:28:39,280 --> 00:28:41,860
For the drivers it's not a problem.
561
00:28:41,860 --> 00:28:44,020
They can camp anywhere,
562
00:28:44,020 --> 00:28:47,459
but first, they have to take their passengers home.
563
00:28:47,459 --> 00:28:51,876
(ominous African instrumental music)
564
00:28:53,220 --> 00:28:57,720
(people speaking in foreign language)
565
00:29:15,813 --> 00:29:18,646
(truck rattling)
566
00:29:22,430 --> 00:29:25,030
The advantage of driving at night is
567
00:29:25,030 --> 00:29:27,350
that the air cools down.
568
00:29:27,350 --> 00:29:29,683
Besides, the lorries can go faster.
569
00:29:30,520 --> 00:29:33,920
In the beam of their headlights they can make out potholes
570
00:29:33,920 --> 00:29:35,723
and ditches more easily.
571
00:29:37,896 --> 00:29:40,646
(truck rumbling)
572
00:29:41,612 --> 00:29:46,029
(ominous African instrumental music)
573
00:29:51,954 --> 00:29:56,537
(people speaking in foreign language)
574
00:29:58,074 --> 00:30:01,860
Seeko, Diajay and Abdulai have made camp
575
00:30:01,860 --> 00:30:04,680
in the middle of the savanna with their colleagues.
576
00:30:04,680 --> 00:30:08,530
They feel at home here and enjoy their trucker lives.
577
00:30:08,530 --> 00:30:12,060
It's been a long day, they're hungry.
578
00:30:12,060 --> 00:30:13,482
It will be a quick meal.
579
00:30:13,482 --> 00:30:18,065
(people speaking in foreign language)
580
00:30:19,700 --> 00:30:22,180
The men talk about their vehicles,
581
00:30:22,180 --> 00:30:24,793
the state of the dirt tracks and the weather.
582
00:30:25,740 --> 00:30:29,260
During the dry season they are on the road day and night,
583
00:30:29,260 --> 00:30:31,360
even at the weekend.
584
00:30:31,360 --> 00:30:33,770
In those seven months they earn the money
585
00:30:33,770 --> 00:30:35,450
for the entire year.
586
00:30:35,450 --> 00:30:38,293
A few hours of sleep and they start again.
587
00:30:40,612 --> 00:30:43,670
(eagle screeching)
588
00:30:43,670 --> 00:30:47,320
Early in the morning it's already getting hot again.
589
00:30:47,320 --> 00:30:49,867
It hasn't rained in months.
590
00:30:49,867 --> 00:30:52,514
(truck rumbling)
591
00:30:52,514 --> 00:30:54,093
(birds chirping)
592
00:30:54,093 --> 00:30:56,526
(metal clanging)
593
00:30:56,526 --> 00:30:59,575
(eagle screeching)
594
00:30:59,575 --> 00:31:02,490
(crickets chirping)
595
00:31:02,490 --> 00:31:05,790
Lots of villages in the savanna are far away
596
00:31:05,790 --> 00:31:08,570
from the important transport routes.
597
00:31:08,570 --> 00:31:11,700
For those people it's a blessing to have a lorry come
598
00:31:11,700 --> 00:31:13,560
to them once a week.
599
00:31:13,560 --> 00:31:17,435
This way they can shop at the far away market.
600
00:31:17,435 --> 00:31:19,125
(Seeko speaking in foreign language)
601
00:31:19,125 --> 00:31:23,810
Seeko personally makes sure that every passenger pays up.
602
00:31:23,810 --> 00:31:27,170
The fair is equivalent to about 50 cents,
603
00:31:27,170 --> 00:31:30,210
not a lot for the almost hour-long trip.
604
00:31:30,210 --> 00:31:32,200
But for people who have very little,
605
00:31:32,200 --> 00:31:33,673
it's a lot of money.
606
00:31:35,422 --> 00:31:38,453
Seeko will take anyone who wants to come along.
607
00:31:39,320 --> 00:31:41,610
There is no maximum number of people
608
00:31:41,610 --> 00:31:44,173
who can find space on the truck.
609
00:31:44,173 --> 00:31:47,006
(truck rumbling)
610
00:31:48,570 --> 00:31:49,760
The people wouldn't get
611
00:31:49,760 --> 00:31:51,940
to the market without the lorry.
612
00:31:51,940 --> 00:31:55,490
Seeko is proud of the fact that he is indispensable
613
00:31:55,490 --> 00:31:57,854
for the inhabitants of the region.
614
00:31:57,854 --> 00:32:00,390
(Seeko speaking in foreign language)
615
00:32:00,390 --> 00:32:02,160
And as far as the roads are concerned,
616
00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:05,260
my father built himself a reputation in his day,
617
00:32:05,260 --> 00:32:07,160
then I came along and thank God was able
618
00:32:07,160 --> 00:32:09,540
to build up a reputation too.
619
00:32:09,540 --> 00:32:10,700
My father's car,
620
00:32:10,700 --> 00:32:11,600
where it didn't go,
621
00:32:11,600 --> 00:32:13,910
no market could develop and I'm the same.
622
00:32:13,910 --> 00:32:14,840
Where I can't go,
623
00:32:14,840 --> 00:32:16,200
no other car can go.
624
00:32:16,200 --> 00:32:17,950
There won't be a market.
625
00:32:17,950 --> 00:32:19,393
I've really made my mark.
626
00:32:22,329 --> 00:32:26,173
(ominous African instrumental music)
627
00:32:26,173 --> 00:32:28,923
(truck rumbling)
628
00:32:36,941 --> 00:32:40,441
(metal rattling on truck)
629
00:32:43,680 --> 00:32:48,680
(people speaking in foreign language)
630
00:32:49,006 --> 00:32:52,506
(metal rattling on truck)
631
00:33:00,818 --> 00:33:05,401
(people speaking in foreign language)
632
00:33:08,590 --> 00:33:10,130
The donkey cart means
633
00:33:10,130 --> 00:33:12,540
that the market is not far now.
634
00:33:12,540 --> 00:33:15,920
For most people market days are the only distraction
635
00:33:15,920 --> 00:33:18,280
in the everyday drabness.
636
00:33:18,280 --> 00:33:21,240
What people in other places take for granted,
637
00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:24,550
like shopping and selling the bare necessities,
638
00:33:24,550 --> 00:33:28,210
becomes a major exertion and fight for survival
639
00:33:28,210 --> 00:33:29,433
in Mali's savanna.
640
00:33:30,380 --> 00:33:32,870
People have to travel for an entire day
641
00:33:32,870 --> 00:33:35,510
to get a few tomatoes, fruit,
642
00:33:35,510 --> 00:33:38,950
some noodles, the occasional piece of meat
643
00:33:38,950 --> 00:33:40,533
and a bar of soap.
644
00:33:41,590 --> 00:33:44,445
(people speaking in foreign language)
645
00:33:44,445 --> 00:33:46,858
(metal rattling on truck)
646
00:33:46,858 --> 00:33:49,880
(people speaking in foreign language)
647
00:33:49,880 --> 00:33:51,810
The road means great discomfort
648
00:33:51,810 --> 00:33:54,360
for anyone on such a trip around here.
649
00:33:54,360 --> 00:33:55,610
The road's not good.
650
00:33:55,610 --> 00:33:57,442
The way people get on the truck,
651
00:33:57,442 --> 00:34:00,520
we'll be standing on our feet from one place to the next.
652
00:34:00,520 --> 00:34:02,053
It's great agony.
653
00:34:02,053 --> 00:34:03,770
Your legs don't get any relief,
654
00:34:03,770 --> 00:34:05,220
that's what makes it so hard.
655
00:34:08,463 --> 00:34:11,622
(truck rumbling)
656
00:34:11,622 --> 00:34:14,233
Abdulai sets out to cross the Niger.
657
00:34:15,280 --> 00:34:19,560
At this time of year the river is a mere stream compared
658
00:34:19,560 --> 00:34:22,630
with its size after the rainy season.
659
00:34:22,630 --> 00:34:25,480
In some places then it gets so broad,
660
00:34:25,480 --> 00:34:27,540
you can't see the other side.
661
00:34:27,540 --> 00:34:30,770
(Abdulai speaking in foreign language)
662
00:34:30,770 --> 00:34:33,060
Abdulai wants to get the ball bearing
663
00:34:33,060 --> 00:34:34,963
for Diajay's lorry in Djenne.
664
00:34:35,898 --> 00:34:39,480
The town is 150 kilometers away.
665
00:34:39,480 --> 00:34:41,740
The Niger is like a border.
666
00:34:41,740 --> 00:34:45,040
On the other side of the river the vegetation is lusher
667
00:34:45,040 --> 00:34:46,593
and the roads are paved.
668
00:34:49,733 --> 00:34:52,902
(vehicle honking)
669
00:34:52,902 --> 00:34:55,712
(taxi rattling)
670
00:34:55,712 --> 00:35:00,129
(upbeat African instrumental music)
671
00:35:02,140 --> 00:35:06,420
Driving a taxi is no dream job for Abdulai.
672
00:35:06,420 --> 00:35:08,283
He does it to feed his family.
673
00:35:09,884 --> 00:35:11,320
(Abdulai speaking in foreign language)
674
00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:12,190
I'm the oldest
675
00:35:12,190 --> 00:35:14,260
and have three younger brothers.
676
00:35:14,260 --> 00:35:16,603
They put all their hopes in me, Abdulai.
677
00:35:18,820 --> 00:35:20,700
If someone gets ill I step up.
678
00:35:20,700 --> 00:35:22,700
If someone needs something I step up.
679
00:35:22,700 --> 00:35:25,420
That's why I came to Tenenkou to work.
680
00:35:25,420 --> 00:35:27,380
I've never seen anyone from the town who goes
681
00:35:27,380 --> 00:35:29,300
to work in the village or bush.
682
00:35:29,300 --> 00:35:31,330
If they see me here driving in the bushland,
683
00:35:31,330 --> 00:35:32,423
I'll be poorly off.
684
00:35:36,979 --> 00:35:38,591
(taxi rattling)
685
00:35:38,591 --> 00:35:39,724
(vehicle honking)
686
00:35:39,724 --> 00:35:42,557
(taxi humming by)
687
00:35:45,220 --> 00:35:46,480
The tarmacked roads
688
00:35:46,480 --> 00:35:50,780
of the bigger towns tempt people to drive faster,
689
00:35:50,780 --> 00:35:53,038
so accidents happen.
690
00:35:53,038 --> 00:35:56,160
A lorry loaded with tons of corn wanted
691
00:35:56,160 --> 00:35:59,793
to overtake another truck and spun out of control.
692
00:36:00,790 --> 00:36:03,230
Since there was little traffic at night,
693
00:36:03,230 --> 00:36:04,760
there wasn't a pileup.
694
00:36:04,760 --> 00:36:06,350
The drivers were lucky.
695
00:36:06,350 --> 00:36:09,179
They got off with minor injuries.
696
00:36:09,179 --> 00:36:10,716
(vehicles rumbling)
697
00:36:10,716 --> 00:36:14,209
(vehicle honking)
698
00:36:14,209 --> 00:36:16,959
(crane rumbling)
699
00:36:20,240 --> 00:36:22,990
(truck rattling)
700
00:36:25,128 --> 00:36:30,128
Abdulai has reached Djenne with its marvelous clay mosque.
701
00:36:30,160 --> 00:36:31,660
In the town center,
702
00:36:31,660 --> 00:36:33,430
right on the main square,
703
00:36:33,430 --> 00:36:36,440
he knows of a trader who stocks spare parts
704
00:36:36,440 --> 00:36:37,893
for Beliet lorries.
705
00:36:38,756 --> 00:36:43,256
(people speaking in foreign language)
706
00:36:45,988 --> 00:36:49,050
(motorbike engine rumbling)
707
00:36:49,050 --> 00:36:51,207
I need a ball bearing.
708
00:36:51,207 --> 00:36:54,070
What kind of ball bearing?
709
00:36:54,070 --> 00:36:55,983
One for our Beliet lorry.
710
00:37:03,900 --> 00:37:06,980
This is a ball bearing for the center.
711
00:37:06,980 --> 00:37:08,243
How much is it?
712
00:37:09,280 --> 00:37:10,865
Give me 5,000 for it.
713
00:37:10,865 --> 00:37:14,377
Big brother, 5,000's a lot for that.
714
00:37:14,377 --> 00:37:16,200
Times are tough around here.
715
00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:17,803
I think 5,000's a good price.
716
00:37:19,595 --> 00:37:20,650
Let's not ramble on.
717
00:37:20,650 --> 00:37:22,223
Let's agree on 4,000 now.
718
00:37:23,290 --> 00:37:24,530
No, my deer man.
719
00:37:24,530 --> 00:37:25,750
Give it to me for 4,000.
720
00:37:25,750 --> 00:37:28,083
You know we don't make much money with our old vehicles.
721
00:37:29,515 --> 00:37:33,848
(upbeat African instrumental music)
722
00:37:39,204 --> 00:37:43,432
(people speaking in foreign language)
723
00:37:43,432 --> 00:37:44,570
(vehicle honking)
724
00:37:44,570 --> 00:37:45,880
On the other side of the Niger
725
00:37:45,880 --> 00:37:48,910
in the Massina region Seeko
726
00:37:48,910 --> 00:37:51,750
and his lorry arrive at the market.
727
00:37:51,750 --> 00:37:53,920
His passengers have survived
728
00:37:53,920 --> 00:37:57,063
the journey pretty shaken, but unscathed.
729
00:37:57,960 --> 00:38:00,360
They have only a few hours to look around
730
00:38:00,360 --> 00:38:03,360
and do business before they go back.
731
00:38:03,360 --> 00:38:05,270
Most of them know each other
732
00:38:05,270 --> 00:38:08,560
as they regularly take the lorry to the markets.
733
00:38:08,560 --> 00:38:11,500
But as they belong to different peoples
734
00:38:11,500 --> 00:38:12,890
who live in this area,
735
00:38:12,890 --> 00:38:15,615
they often don't speak the same language.
736
00:38:15,615 --> 00:38:20,282
(people speaking in foreign languages)
737
00:38:24,519 --> 00:38:28,580
Seeko is warmly welcomed by the village elders.
738
00:38:28,580 --> 00:38:30,940
They have known him since he was a boy
739
00:38:30,940 --> 00:38:33,750
and used to accompany his father here.
740
00:38:33,750 --> 00:38:36,770
Along the Niger there are always markets.
741
00:38:36,770 --> 00:38:39,670
Big cattle markets are rather rare.
742
00:38:39,670 --> 00:38:41,060
From far away,
743
00:38:41,060 --> 00:38:44,080
as far as the Sahara and neighboring countries,
744
00:38:44,080 --> 00:38:45,770
Mauritania and Niger,
745
00:38:45,770 --> 00:38:47,750
come the capital traders.
746
00:38:47,750 --> 00:38:49,810
Often they traveled for days and weeks
747
00:38:49,810 --> 00:38:51,880
to sell their livestock.
748
00:38:51,880 --> 00:38:54,610
The chances to do business are good
749
00:38:54,610 --> 00:38:57,360
because the Pearl liked to buy cattle,
750
00:38:57,360 --> 00:39:01,738
sheep and goats to restock their herds and flocks.
751
00:39:01,738 --> 00:39:05,260
(people speaking in foreign language)
752
00:39:05,260 --> 00:39:08,680
Seeko, Diajay and their apprentices and helpers
753
00:39:08,680 --> 00:39:11,230
are sitting in the shadow of the lorries,
754
00:39:11,230 --> 00:39:13,900
waiting for the market to end.
755
00:39:13,900 --> 00:39:16,590
They are resting before the next trip.
756
00:39:16,590 --> 00:39:19,849
They're a community which sticks together.
757
00:39:19,849 --> 00:39:23,490
(people speaking in foreign language)
758
00:39:23,490 --> 00:39:25,430
For example, in the rainy season
759
00:39:25,430 --> 00:39:27,600
a car can get stuck,
760
00:39:27,600 --> 00:39:30,620
then it's easier when several people travel together.
761
00:39:30,620 --> 00:39:33,370
Also, when one of them breaks down many people can help out.
762
00:39:33,370 --> 00:39:36,171
When the car doesn't start you can help each other out
763
00:39:36,171 --> 00:39:39,090
and when something else breaks down you get together
764
00:39:39,090 --> 00:39:40,103
and fix it together.
765
00:39:43,505 --> 00:39:46,650
(truck rumbling)
766
00:39:46,650 --> 00:39:48,543
The radiator is leaking.
767
00:39:49,600 --> 00:39:50,560
On the way back from Djenne,
768
00:39:50,560 --> 00:39:53,366
Abdulai has problems with his minibus.
769
00:39:53,366 --> 00:39:54,410
(welding hissing)
770
00:39:54,410 --> 00:39:57,363
The mechanic fixes the leak temporarily.
771
00:39:58,200 --> 00:40:01,760
If Abdulai wants to get to the agreed meeting point
772
00:40:01,760 --> 00:40:04,793
with Diajay in time he has to hurry.
773
00:40:05,793 --> 00:40:10,126
(upbeat African instrumental music)
774
00:40:12,556 --> 00:40:15,223
(taxi rattling)
775
00:40:16,422 --> 00:40:19,255
(birds chirping)
776
00:40:21,747 --> 00:40:23,580
(people speaking in foreign language)
777
00:40:23,580 --> 00:40:26,330
(taxi rumbling)
778
00:40:29,970 --> 00:40:33,435
(door handle clicking)
779
00:40:33,435 --> 00:40:38,318
Abdulai made it just in time before Diajay sets out again.
780
00:40:38,318 --> 00:40:41,141
(people speaking in foreign language)
781
00:40:41,141 --> 00:40:42,920
Here, I got you this.
782
00:40:42,920 --> 00:40:44,353
That's it, that's exactly it.
783
00:40:44,353 --> 00:40:46,700
Thank you, thank you very much.
784
00:40:46,700 --> 00:40:48,819
Thanks for trusting me.
785
00:40:48,819 --> 00:40:50,510
Diajay doesn't have time
786
00:40:50,510 --> 00:40:52,140
to fit the ball bearing,
787
00:40:52,140 --> 00:40:54,160
he's running late already.
788
00:40:54,160 --> 00:40:58,530
He hopes that the prop shaft will last until the next stop.
789
00:40:58,530 --> 00:41:02,070
But first, the passengers need to take their places.
790
00:41:02,070 --> 00:41:04,620
The engine must be running and none
791
00:41:04,620 --> 00:41:07,829
of the passengers must fall off the lorry.
792
00:41:07,829 --> 00:41:10,579
(truck rumbling)
793
00:41:17,099 --> 00:41:18,370
(birds chirping)
794
00:41:18,370 --> 00:41:22,650
The dirt tracks have no beginning and no end.
795
00:41:22,650 --> 00:41:25,150
It's a never ending circulation
796
00:41:25,150 --> 00:41:29,623
between the villages along the dirt tracks for many months.
797
00:41:30,710 --> 00:41:33,810
When the rainy season comes they disappear
798
00:41:33,810 --> 00:41:35,990
until they reappear again,
799
00:41:35,990 --> 00:41:39,021
made by the drivers and their cars.
800
00:41:39,021 --> 00:41:41,012
(truck rumbling)
801
00:41:41,012 --> 00:41:42,890
(Diajay speaking in foreign language)
802
00:41:42,890 --> 00:41:44,680
Oh no, it doesn't get boring.
803
00:41:44,680 --> 00:41:47,170
It's work. It's your livelihood.
804
00:41:47,170 --> 00:41:48,333
So you have to work.
805
00:41:50,060 --> 00:41:53,740
And everyone has their very own work, understood.
806
00:41:53,740 --> 00:41:54,580
Day and night,
807
00:41:54,580 --> 00:41:55,683
it doesn't get boring.
808
00:41:57,380 --> 00:41:59,190
It's our work after all
809
00:41:59,190 --> 00:42:01,773
and our work is this because we love it.
810
00:42:04,929 --> 00:42:07,060
(upbeat African instrumental music)
811
00:42:07,060 --> 00:42:10,150
However well the drivers know the way,
812
00:42:10,150 --> 00:42:13,383
it will always be a trip into the unknown.
813
00:42:14,297 --> 00:42:18,253
(upbeat African instrumental music)
814
00:42:18,253 --> 00:42:21,086
(truck rumbling)
59475
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