By Nsore Paschaline Dzevernyuy, CUIB Journalism Student on Internship
The road linking Buea and Mile 4 in Limbe is filled with potholes, putting transporters and passengers at risk of accidents. Despite the danger, many still ply the route because for them, it is their only means of survival.
Njong John has been driving on this road for over two years. Every time he sets out for work, he begins by imagining how to avoid the potholes that have taken over the entire stretch. Even though he wants to concentrate and ensure he transports his passengers safely to their destination, the potholes are compounded by numerous security checkpoints, which reduce the income he makes from his passengers.
At the end of the day, it becomes difficult for him to save money and earn a decent living. Additionally, he frequently visits the garage due to the damage caused by the potholes.
Since drivers like Ngong John must survive at all costs, the dangerous nature of the road and the numerous checkpoints force them to transfer the cost to passengers.
Fongeh Ekandey has been using this stretch for eight years now. He says he feels bad each time he travels on the road because it is truly in terrible condition. That is because instead of tarring the road, the municipal council keeps pouring gravel and sand, worsening the situation. He would prefer that if the work is not progressing, those in charge should clear the road and leave it as it was before.
Although the road is a major link for the inhabitants of Buea and Limbe, several important establishments are located along it. The Buea Catholic Diocese is situated on this road. Aside from that, the road is crucial for the transportation of tea from the plantation in Tole. Still along the stretch, there is one of the first and major Catholic boarding schools, St. Joseph College, Sasse.
Despite the presence of these important structures, the road has been neglected. Two years ago, the government announced plans to renovate the stretch and make it passable, thereby reducing traffic between Buea and Limbe through Mutengene.
But since that has not been done, for many like taxi driver Ngong John and passenger Fongeh, every passing day is a horrible experience.