A bus belonging to Mondial Travel Agency was involved in a near-fatal accident yesterday at the notorious C-bend in Bamenda on the way up to Up Station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus veered off the road on its way up but was fortunately held back by trees, preventing a potentially tragic plunge down a steep slope.
This incident comes despite earlier warnings from the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mezam, who had advised inter-urban transport agencies and heavy-duty vehicles to avoid using that stretch of road.
The caution was based on the rapid deterioration of the road, prompting an informal but serious restriction.
However, drivers continue to use the route, citing the poor condition of the alternative “New Road” stretch.
They argue that the bumpy and hazardous nature of the New Road increases the risk of accidents, calling for urgent government intervention to ensure safety on both routes.
Major roadworks construction projects, including the new road, launched, but visible progress has yet to appear.
A Major Recurrent Problem
The incident in Bamenda is not isolated. Cameroon’s roads have become increasingly perilous, with a high frequency of accidents claiming numerous lives and causing serious injuries. Recent reports highlight a concerning trend, raising urgent questions about road safety in the Central African nation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that national statistics significantly underreport the number of road traffic fatalities in Cameroon. While national figures cite around 1,000 deaths annually, the WHO estimates the actual figure to be closer to 6,000.
Several factors contribute to the high accident rate. Many roads lack proper signage, markings, and essential infrastructure, contributing to hazardous driving conditions. Speeding, reckless driving, and a lack of adherence to traffic laws are prevalent issues. Many vehicles, including buses and trucks, suffer from poor maintenance, which increases the risk of mechanical failure and accidents. Overloading, where vehicles carry loads exceeding their capacity, also makes them difficult to control. Inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations and a lack of accountability contribute to a culture of impunity on the roads.
Acknowledgment without Action
Recent incidents highlight the severity of the problem. On October 9, 2024, for example, a collision between a passenger bus and a truck in the South region resulted in at least 15 fatalities and several injuries. In August 2021, three separate road accidents within two days led to the deaths of at least 40 people. This prompted the Minister of Transport to threaten to suspend transport companies involved in future accidents.
The Cameroonian government has acknowledged the severity of the problem and has taken some measures. This includes increased road safety campaigns, the deployment of additional traffic officers, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. However, challenges remain. There is inadequate funding for road maintenance and safety improvements, corruption within the transport sector, and a lack of coordination among various agencies responsible for road safety.
The road accident crisis in Cameroon continues to be a major public health and safety concern. From Bamenda to Buea, Yaounde to Bafoussam, the situation is one that demands concerted effort from the government, transport sector, and road users to implement sustainable solutions and save lives.
