Dilapidated Bamenda-Babadjou road: an endless nightmare for travelers

The road linking the West and North West regions has become a constant frustration for users.
The condition of the road is being described by many passengers and drivers plying the road as “nightmarish and pitiful”.

People are increasingly becoming used to the fact that they have to lose at least 7 hours waiting when they reach the Bamenda-Babadjou stretch of the road.

Saturday, July 11 2020 was even more frustrating to passengers who left major cities like Douala and Yaounde the night before. Vehicles were stuck on the spot for hours.

“It is really appalling when you think about it, we reached here at Matazem at about 3 a.m. and I still cannot believe that it is 8 o’clock and we are yet to carry on with our journey,” one stranded passenger lamented. “The road is in such a deplorable state when it did not even rain hard to begin with. What if it were really serious?” he questioned.

Given the fact that the North West is one of the most relied upon regions in terms of agricultural produce, many drivers and business persons have complained of a lost in profits and goods because the more perishable of these goods tend to spoil before they get to their destination due to the long delays. Indeed, the state of the road is deplorable.

“I left Douala for an-early-morning business in Bamenda, im stranded here waiting. This was the same situation last week,” said a source.

The roads have constantly been in that state especially when the rainy season began and with the passing of each day, it is getting worst.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and the South West Regions, Minister Paul Tasong in an interview with Equinoxe TV revealed that the Bamenda-Babadjou road was a done project according to the government.

“…Funds had already been made available for the completion of the Bamenda Babadjou road project…,” he revealed.

Funds might have been provided, but is government following up to ensure contractors do their job properly and finish work on time? Maybe not!.

Mimi Mefo Info