Interview: Peace reigns between Mamfe and B’da drivers - Mamfe Mayor

Ayuk Taku-Nchung, Mayor of Mamfe responds to questions about problems in the transport sector in Mamfe.

You were ordered by the SDO to look into the problems in the transport sector in Mamfe. What exactly did you do to solve the problem?

Yes, I convened a meeting with the drivers of Mamfe and spoke to them, making them to understand that what they were doing was against the law. Then I went up to Bamenda where I had another meeting with the president, Vice presidents, treasurer and advisers of the drivers union there. During the both meetings we arrived at a fraternal understanding.

I emphasized on the fact that their operations were illegal because they don’t have the licence to do public transportation, talk less of driving across divisional and regional boundaries. I made them to understand that only legalised transport agencies are authorised to ply the highways.

I told them that the administration allows them to go ahead with their business because we are conscious that they are rendering a service to the public and by so doing also helping themselves and the community. But I drew their attention to the fact that if their illegal activities will cause a breach of the peace then the administration will step in and halt them.

So both parties that is, the Mamfe drivers union and their Bamenda colleagues all agreed to drop the hatchet and to operate in peace and harmony. I must say that calm now reigns in the sector and every body respects their limits.

Are you aware that some petrol dealers in Mamfe are also blocking people from passing through Mamfe and going to Ekok to buy fuel? They argue that petrol dealers coming from Bamenda and Kumba should buy their petrol only at Mamfe?

I am not aware of that. But I will do my investigations now that it has come to my notice. But I must say that if what you say is true then it has to stop because it is wrong for people to take the laws in their hands.

Petrol sellers should be aware that their activity is illegal; the administration only tolerates their activity because there are not enough gas filling stations in Manyu. But administrative tolerance does not mean they should take the laws into their hands. And I have to point this out to them.

What is the prevailing atmosphere in Mamfe town now?

It is the usual peace and stability that characterises daily life in Mamfe. And I should state here that the peace that reigns is thanks to the commendable efforts of the SDO and his Etat-major and other stakeholders whose collective responsibility it is to guarantee peace and security.

Peace reigns and it will continue to reign especially now that we are anxiously waiting for the Kumba-Mamfe road. Peace has always been reminiscent in Mamfe and we cannot allow it to be at stake at no one moment.

What economic prospects for Mamfe especially with the tarring of the Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok road and the imminent tarring of the Kumba Mamfe road?

Economic activity has witnessed a wonderful boost since the coming of the Bamenda-Mamfe road. The extension to Ekok has only made things even better, while the imminent tarring of the Kumba-Mamfe road is awaited with much anxiety.

I should say the economic future of Mamfe is very bright. At the level of the council, we have already envisaged a project to extend the market to accommodate the expanding volume of business. We also plan to build stalls at strategic corners of the town. A resolution to that effect has already been adopted. Traders can now do their business all year round due to the good roads.