The handles of bolga baskets are always the first thing conking out. If you watch the construction of a bolga you’ll recognize exactly the reason why.
Usually the African women carry the baskets on their heads so that the handles are not as much worn out as by carrying tham all the way.
And probably they are able to fix the handles easily with natural material.

Because the bolgas are very practical and nice looking I tried to recycle them with wired handles which I hid under a knit cover.
My interim solution works for over 2 years now.