Peter Efande
29 February 2008
Food scarcity and the means of transportation are the main worry of the population of most towns in the South West Province as the effects of the strike action are yet to fizzle out. Taxis and commercial motor bikes have been grounded and the scarcity or virtual absence of fuel has worsened matters. In Buea, the South West Provincial capital, yesterday still witnessed the disturbing pain of trekking for most commuters to their various destinations. Most schools remained closed either for fear of the unknown or the absence of teachers who could not withstand the constant trekking since Monday.
Group of youths strolled listlessly along the road and streets; but there was no violence or major incident except a foiled attempt to burn the main Buea market and the offices of the Buea Council. On his assessment of the general situation in the province yesterday, the Governor of the South West Province, Louis Eyeya Zanga, painted a serene picture.
"The situation is calm throughout the South West Province," the Governor informed CT. "Unfortunately, we winessed a very sad incident this morning in Muea (outskirts of Buea). One person was killed when demonstrators, in an abortive attempt, tried to storm the Police Post there. l want to stress that since Monday, some people in Muea have been attacking the Police Post there at least four times a day ! The Police Post in Muea is there to protect the people. So l don't understand why this particular Police Post is being targeted. We deplore the loss of life and l pray such incidents do not occur again," the Governor said.
In towns like Muyuka, Kumba, Limbe, Mutengene, Tiko, etc, an uneasy calm reigned yesterday with foodstuff in short supply and the absence of cabs and commercial bikes on the streets. The prices of basic commodities, especially foodstuff, have witnessed an upward swing as most stores and markets remained closed.
As the population yearns for a total return to normalcy, there's one major problem. Most petrol stations have been destroyed; thus the difficulty of obtaining fuel.
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