By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Yaounde is currently grappling with the harsh effects of severe weather, which has plunged residents into a state of discomfort and hardship. From impassable roads to disrupted livelihoods, the city is bearing the brunt of nature’s fury.
The city has been thrown into an unexpected deep freeze. Temperatures have dropped well below the norm, transforming the typically tropical climate into a bitter chill.
Residents, unaccustomed to such cold conditions, are struggling to adapt. Blankets, once considered unnecessary, have become essential bedroom companions. Beyond the discomfort, taxi and motorcycle riders, as well as businesses, have been affected on a daily basis.
However, while most residents are shivering through the cold spell, a surprising sector of the economy is experiencing a boom: the sex industry.
The city’s sex hawkers have reported a significant increase in clientele. The attraction of warmth, both physical and emotional, has driven customers to seek solace in the company of these women.
Known hotspots for sex work, such as Entrée Simbock, TKC, Mini Ferm, City Council, Essos, Emana, and Soa, just to name these few are experiencing a surge in business. The unexpectedly cold weather appears to have prompted more sex joints to open earlier, often as early as 7:00pm, in an effort to capitalize on increased customer demand.
Despite the obvious increase in patronage, some joints are experiencing a low turn out in business. Nevertheless, sex hawkers are reluctant to discuss the impact of the weather on their business.
While some briefly acknowledged the uptick in clients, most preferred to maintain a low profile. “I am on duty and doesn’t need disturbance,” a sex hawker said while rushing for a customer.
The weather in Yaounde since July 1 has been changeable, with extreme shifts between light hot and cold temperatures. Unlike typical weather patterns for the region, the city has experienced drizzling rainfall.
“I haven’t experienced this type of weather in Yaounde before,” said a city dweller. “We’ve had extreme cold in recent days.”
Abandoned bad roads have deteriorated significantly, especially during this challenging period. Silas expressed deep concern about the weather’s impact, stating, “It doesn’t rain heavily, but when it drizzles, the rain is actually cold. I believe many people will fall ill because of this.”
Mary Stella shared her family’s experience with illness due to the weather, stressing the reality of climate change. “We should be better prepared, especially those who are skeptical about it,” she said.
With many city dwellers battling with colds and flu doctors have advise city dwellers to stay warm by wearing thick clothing and to seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms.
Meteorologists have warned that the unusually cold weather is expected to continue through the month of August.
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