Babungo, a village in Ngoketugia Division of the North West Region, experienced significant disruptions on Monday, September 30th, 2024, as heavy rains led to the Menkateung River overflowing its banks, resulting in the flooding of National Road 11. The heavy rain, persisting for almost seven hours, left motorists trapped as they attempted to manoeuvre through the inundated regions.
The blockage on the vital road connecting Bui and Donga Mantung Divisions to Mezam Division is significantly affecting transport and businesses. Numerous travellers expressed their disappointment over lost business prospects, as trade routes were significantly disrupted. “I was unable to reach Kumbo today for a significant deal,” one frustrated road user expressed. “This flood is incurring significant costs in both time and finances.”
While intense rainfall mainly caused the flood, some residents attribute it to human actions.A frustrated road user claimed, ‘Rice farmers are behind this, working together with some staff at Upper Nun Valley Development Authority.’ “Blocked outlets of the river redirect its flow here, prioritising rice farming over our safety.” What happens if a child drowns in this water? What will they share with us?
Over the past three days, the situation has deteriorated, with transporters on the Nso-Bamenda road voicing serious concerns about the impact on their vehicles. The condition of the road is harming our vehicles. “We can’t continue fixing them after every journey,” one driver expressed with frustration.
Extracted from the Babungo Community Radio – FM 98.0 Facebook page
