Douala: Marché Central Traders Decry Council’s Neglect of Market Space

By Amina Hilda

Traders of the Douala Marché Central have decried the neglect of market space that was confiscated from them by the Douala II council.

According to the traders, the council, some seven years ago forcefully evacuated all traders from the area but then went ahead to abandon the place.

“Today, the state of the place is disgusting. You will see people excreting there in broad daylight,” a trader told MMI.

A toilet facility that was partially constructed by the Council was also abandoned and is now currently completely damaged, as thieves have pillaged some of the materials.

“That’s the remaining of what was already completed to be used by the population. It was built years back and it has never been used,” the trader lamented. Adding “the zinc and aluminum, have been removed and sold to those people who move around buying iron (Ferage) by street boys widely known as ‘Nangaboko’.”

To these traders, the area would have been of better use if they were allowed to carry out their activities thereon.

They are therefore calling on the government to look into the situation and bring forth a lasting solution.