Elizabeth Mosima
16 April 2008
The use of the motorbike as a means of transportation is commonplace in most parts of Cameroon. In Yaounde this business activity is growing fast in nearly all parts of the town.
As a result, driving within the town is considered risky due to the interference by motorbikes. Recently, the Government Delegate to the Yaounde City Council issued an order forbidding motorbikes from circulating within the central town. According to the release, the motorbikes are expected to circulate within a specific area notably, Carrefour Mvog-Mbi, Carrefour Olezoa, Boulevard de la réunification, Carrefour Emia, Messa motor park, Sous prefecture de Tsinga, Rond point Bastos, Carrefour Tongolo, Hôpital General, Stade Ominsport, Carrefour Mobil Essos, Carrefour Coron, etc. Motorbikes are equally forbidden to circulate in some principal roads in all the seven districts of the capital city.
In spite of the decision by the Government Delegate, many motorbike riders continue to circulate in these areas which, according to the Yaounde City Council, are declared forbidden zones. Patrice M. a motorbike rider who lives in the Mendong neighbourhood told Cameroon Tribune he transports passengers to town in the morning when the council agents are not yet at work. He explained that transportation fare per person from Mondong to the Central Post Office costs FCFA 500. Another motorbike rider, Jean, said many people prefer to take the bike to work because it goes faster even if there is traffic jam on the way. Some motorbike riders however said they are aware of the decision of the Government Delegate and so will concentrate in the quartiers. Due to the nonchalant attitude of motorbike riders, the agents of the Yaounde City Council are seizing motorbikes caught circulating in the town. The motorbikes are when seized are locked up in the municipal garage and the owners are expected to pay a fine of FCFA 25,000 before collecting their bikes.
According to the Technical Director of the Yaounde City council, Arnauld Ndzana Philippe, motorbike riders are not allowed to circulating centre of the town. "They are supposed to circulate but in the outskirts of the town and not in the centre of the town," he said. He regretted the fact that some motorbike riders continue to disobey despite the order from the Government Delegate. He however said that the city council will reinforce its operations to ensure that motorbikes are cleared off the main streets of the town.
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