Yaoundé woke up to a devastating fire this morning in the Simbock neighbourhood. Flames erupted from a bar at Carrifour Bouba Simbock, quickly spreading to and consuming a neighboring shop, Belle Paradise.
Initial investigations suggest that the bar’s generator may be responsible for the electrical issues. Yaoundé, similar to various regions in Cameroon, deals with persistent power outages, leading residents and businesses to heavily depend on generators. These generators, although a temporary fix, are frequently mentioned as fire risks, and breakdowns are not rare.
This incident is the most recent in a series of fires causing destruction to businesses in Yaoundé, Douala, Bamenda, Limbe, Maroua and other parts of the country. Many residents blame ENEO, the privately-owned electricity provider, for the frequent outages and unreliable infrastructure. The frustration is evident as citizens must navigate daily life without electricity and deal with the constant risk of fire caused by malfunctioning generators or electrical surges.
Local authorities are currently looking into the Simbock fire. However, the discussion may soon turn towards a broader dialogue on enhancing Cameroon’s electrical grid and ensuring ENEO is held responsible for ongoing power issues.
The full scope of the destruction is still uncertain, but sources suggest that Belle Paradise was completely destroyed. Fortunately, there are no current reports of injuries.
This incident emphasises the risks associated with malfunctioning generators and the necessity for enhanced electrical infrastructure in Yaoundé.
