Mbanga traders lament astronomical rent increase from 3,000 to 10,000 FCFA, city mayor says it is legal

Traders of the Mbanga Main market, in the Littoral region of Cameroon, have decried the sudden increase in shop rents from 3000 FCFA to 10, 000 FCFA.

According to these traders, they were barely able to pay the initial rents before the imposition of the 10,000 FCFA by the Council of the city.

“Now they are asking us 10, 000 FCFA and they have not even changed anything. We are the ones renovating the shops. Even my own store is leaking but we are the ones expected to fix it, ” decried a trader of the Mbanga Main market.

According to her, the additional 7000 FCFA is very untimely considering that things are not operational in Mbanga as usual.

She said, ” At first, the train was passing, the banana plantation was functioning, Brasseries Brewery was there but they have all gone. The train is no longer passing because of this crisis.”

Meanwhile, according to the Mayor of the city, Mme EJAKE née ENDALLE Henriette the decision taken alongside her councilors is in line with the finance law.

“The finance law laid down the prices of each square meter, occupied by any person, ” she said.

The traders, however, continue hoping that the Mayor hears their cry and reconsiders the drastic increase which according to them will affect them hugely.

By Amina Hilda