As the rainy season intensifies, the already poor and deteriorating roads in Bamenda are becoming nearly impassable, creating severe hardships for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The city’s infrastructure, plagued by potholes, eroded surfaces, and inadequate drainage, is further compromised by the heavy rains.
Many streets turn into muddy quagmires, with waterlogging becoming a common sight.
This situation has exacerbated traffic congestion, vehicle breakdowns, and accidents.
“I spend an additional hour or two on what should be a 30-minute trip,” says Nkengla, a taxi driver.
“The roads are terrible. My car has suffered more damage in the past few months than in the last five years.”
“Passengers pay less, yet we spend all of it in garages to maintain our taxis,” said Tse, a taxi driver in Bamenda.
Pedestrians are equally affected. Walking on the flooded and muddy roads is a risky endeavor, with many people forced to navigate through slippery paths or wade through water.
The poor conditions also pose significant health risks, with stagnant water potentially becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors.
“I have to wear rain boots just to get to work,” shares Atanga, a local resident.
“It’s a daily struggle. Sometimes I fear slipping and injuring myself.”
“It feels like we shall need boats to navigate the huge water bodies that have developed on the roads, Bamenda is stinking,” said Mercy, a resident of Bamenda.
The economic implications are also significant. Local businesses report a decline in customer footfall, attributing it to the difficulty in accessing their premises.
In response, the Bamenda City Council has acknowledged the issue, citing budget constraints and the extensive damage caused by the rains as major hurdles.
Efforts to patch up some of the worst-affected areas have been on the way though with nothing to show for.
Residents are calling for more comprehensive and lasting solutions.
“We need proper road construction and effective drainage systems,” urges Emmanuel a resident of Old Town Bamenda.
“Temporary fixes are not enough. The government must prioritize infrastructure development to improve our living conditions,” he added.
As the rains continue, the plight of Bamenda’s residents underscores a pressing need for infrastructural improvements.
Without swift intervention, the city’s poor road conditions are likely to deteriorate further, prolonging the suffering of its people.
