Mvolye: Collapsed road poses risks to motorists

Dilapidated and poorly constructed roads are a major concern in Cameroon. An example is the collapsed road around Carrefour Trois Statues in Yaoundé. An example is the road on Mvolye hill in Yaounde where a portion has collapsed, creating a deep gulley at the bend opposite the residence of Rev Sisters.

The situation poses great risks to motorists and bike riders; especially as the portion concerned is notorious for accidents. The fact that the collapsed area is situated on a slope makes it risky and dangerous for users of the very busy road.

Though stones have been placed in the gulley, the risk of accidents still looms. With visible cracks on the side of the collapsed area, one can see that if something is not done fast, it will definitely affect the other side of the road.

Marie Therese, a road user says ?“Whenever I walk past this area, I am always afraid that it will collapse again or I will fall in to the ditch.” A taxi driver, Owona, says he always prays for himself and passengers when driving up or down the road because he does not know what will happen next.

Another taxi driver says, “We used to drive fast down the road, but now, one needs to drive with caution because of this incident. Though some drivers still drive fast on the hill, I advise them to be cautious in order to avoid accidents,” he noted.

“The situation has just revealed how poorly constructed our roads are and how they put our lives in danger. This has made me to either use different roads or drive very slowly when using this road .What makes me even more frightened are the cracks I see on the collapsed area. Though danger signs have been put up and stones placed in the ditch, the risks of accidents still persist. Thus, I advise that more be done to make road users safe,” says a private car owner and road user.

Bertrand, a pedestrian suggests, “Police should set up a checkpoint at the collapsed area in order to prevent any accidents by motorists or little children. Considering that the collapsed area is not really visible from afar, oncoming cars can easily fall into the gulley. The police have done well to put up danger signs in order to notify road users,” he concluded.