Bus drivers in Bamenda organised a protest to highlight the deteriorating state of a once busy route, the Upstation – Down Town Stretch, through the New Road, Expressing frustration and concern for safety. Today, the Up Station area was filled with parked vehicles as drivers avoided the New Road stretch due to concerns about accidents and passenger safety.
“The road is horrible; we are scared to use it because our vehicles can tumble, putting the lives of the passengers at risk,” expressed one impassioned bus driver.
What was once a seamless trip has now turned into a challenging experience for both passengers and motorists. The route has been thrown into chaos by potholes and rough patches, resulting in significant delays and leaving many stranded at the governor’s junction.
“My destination is Ndop, but I am still stuck at Up Station,” complained a frustrated traveller. “The security forces are preventing vehicles from passing,” they stated.
Travelling from the Up Station to downtown along the New Road, numerous dangerous areas have appeared, making it risky for everyone using the road.
“This is just one of the many challenging sections along this stretch of road; I witness vehicles overturning here very frequently,” noted Emmanuel, a caring local resident, reflecting the feelings of many impacted by the harsh conditions.
Addressing the drivers’ concerns, the senior Divisional officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, explained that the restriction was an administrative decision to avoid heavy duty vehicles and buses from descending through the finance junction. This measure aims to prevent further degradation of the Governor’s Junction to Finance Junction section, which is rapidly deteriorating.
As the administration of Mezam has promised to address the issue of deteriorating roads, drivers and locals are becoming more and more frustrated. The upcoming rainy season emphasises the importance of repairs and maintenance.
Following a brief discussion, a temporary agreement was reached, enabling drivers to take a different route from the governor’s junction through the finance junction to downtown. Nevertheless, the community stands together in urging for faster rehabilitation work on the recently constructed road section.
“We cannot afford to wait,” emphasised a concerned person. “The rainy season will soon show its ugly side, and we cannot afford to wait.”
With the protest calming down, all eyes are now on the local authorities to fulfil their commitments of enhancing infrastructure. The people of Bamenda are eagerly anticipating the day when their daily travels will no longer be disrupted by the challenges they currently face.
