By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The city of Yaoundé has been grappling with a myriad of challenges, particularly in relation to its road infrastructure. Over time, the city has undergone a noticeable decline, with certain neighborhoods languishing in neglect and disrepair.
This neglect is most evident in areas that have become off-limits for taxis and motorcyclists, who, when willing to venture into these zones, demand exorbitant fares. The pervasive nature of this issue has led residents to reluctantly accept these hardships as a part of their daily lives, despite the significant disruptions it causes to their mobility.
One of the most distressing aspects of this situation is the rapid deterioration of the roads, even after attempts were made to patch up the numerous potholes that riddle the city’s streets. What were once temporary fixes have now begged for urgent repair, as the conditions have worsened considerably.
While some efforts are being made to address these issues, the pace of repair work is struggling to keep up with the escalating decay, leaving many areas in a state of disrepair and chaos.
“We are completely devastated by the state of our roads as it has made movement extremely challenging. We are facing hardships due to the rising transportation fares, especially in areas that are difficult to access,” expressed one city resident.
Another city resident added, “I am baffled by the current situation. Several roads seem to have been entirely neglected, and I am hesitant of the reasons behind this. Take, for example, the Obili-Biyem Assi stretch. It has been abandoned and has deteriorated significantly.”
Residents are feeling the brunt of these challenges, with transportation becoming increasingly arduous and expensive. The frustration and disillusionment among the population are palpable, as they witness the roads, they rely on deteriorate before their eyes.
“Looking at the state of the potholes that were previously patched up, it’s disheartening to see them return to their original, deteriorated condition. Some were patched with concrete, while others were hastily filled with stones, mud, and soil sourced from nearby refurbished residences in the quarters. “We are back to square one, and to make matters worse, we find ourselves swimming in mud when it rains,” Martins explained
The sorry state of the infrastructure is not only a hindrance to daily commutes but also a stark reminder of the neglect and lack of adequate maintenance that has plagued the city for far too long. As voices of discontent grow louder, there is a collective plea to the authorities to intervene and address the pressing issues that have long been ignored.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the impassioned calls from residents for immediate action to rectify the crumbling road network. Until tangible improvements are made, the residents of Yaoundé remain in a state of anticipation, yearning for a return to dignified living conditions and smoother journeys through their city.
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