Anger Mounts in Buea Over Recurrent Accidents

The main boulevard from Mile 17 to the Central Police Station Roundabout has become a death trap.

The removal of the middle platform or ridge separating the main road stretching from Mile 17 to the Central Police Station Roundabout has caused anger among the inhabitants of Buea. The removal has transformed the main road in Buea into a veritable death trap with disturbing casualties in human lives virtually on a daily or weekly basis.

Officials have explained that the removal of the ridge is to ease transportation before, during and after the 50th Reunification anniversary celebrations slated for Buea later this year.

Pedestrians have their hearts in their mouths when attempting to cross the road for fear of being knocked down by speeding vehicles. Worse still, there are neither roadside signals nor speed brake barriers erected on the road. Now that schools have reopened, parents worry aloud if their children will ever return safe and sound from classes.

To throw more light on this disturbing phenomenon, the Interim Mayor of the Buea Council, Patrick Ekema revealed to Cameroon Tribune that, due to the removal of the middle platform, more than 10 casualties have been recorded. He warned reckless drivers who do not respect the Highway Code that a fine of FCFA 25,000 will be charged against them. He said a meeting has been scheduled with the Taxi Drivers' Union in Buea to sensitise drivers on sanctions that await reckless driving. He assures the public that measures have been put in place to avoid further casualties as regards the new academic year.