Dry season dust: Coating for the season

Streets and homes across the national territory are experiencing the dusty effects of the dry season and Harmattan winds.

Dust-coated feet, brown eyelashes and hair and a whirlwind of dust in the air are the daily scenario nationwide at this time of the year.

Just a few steps outdoors is enough for one to notice the diverse effects of the dustiness and just how people struggle to cope with the inevitable situation.

Roadside vendors are one of those who suffer the crippling effects of the dust. Badel says he takes time off throughout the day to dust his articles on sale meanwhile Faustin Yemele in addition to dusting surfaces, sprinkles water along the path leading to his business stand.

A pedestrian in Yaounde, Marie-Kelly says she braces her way through the dust and cleans her feet with a handkerchief when she gets to her destination. She further explains that she covers her nose with a handkerchief when moving along a dusty pathway.

Taxi drivers and commercial bike riders just like pedestrians, also face difficulties due to the dustiness of the environment.

Some bike riders have resolved to the use of goggles and nose masks to dampen the effect of the dust, meanwhile others like Paul Kamdem prefer to work without any facial mask. Such protective gadgets, he complains, are uncomfortable to use all day.

With the existence of airborne diseases including common cold and conjunctivitis, medical practitioners call on Cameroonians to be cautious as they go about their activities in the dusty atmosphere.