Yaoundé: Business continues to run on the streets

The city center has become a place conducive for business travelers. "I preferred to come to the Central Post Office and sell because there are enough people and several ministries," said Raisa, a high school student in Ekounou.

Many are engaging in commercial activities in the city center. They sell handkerchiefs, candy, card protectors, peanuts, colas, etc. They do all this in order to earn money.

Vanessa, aged 17, comes from the western region. On holiday with her cousin, she decided to conduct a commercial activity to make a little money. She sells menthol at the Central Post Office. "I sell menthol because it is applied instantly for freshness. It is used to prevent injury to the lips, "says the high school student in Bamenyam in the West region of Cameroon.

The goods sold by these traders in this season come from different markets of the city. In the end, they get their profits. "When I buy a box of cookies for FCFA 5000, I sell a packet of biscuits for FCFA 100. In return I have a profit of FCFA 5,000, "says a vendor.

Difficulties

The money he makes will be used to prepare for the next school year. This is also the reason given by many of these children. "The money I save will help me to buy my school supplies." Says Raisa.

Besides the traffic lights at the Central Post Office, especially when they are red, street vendors weave between cars and offer their wares. However, the activity is not without risk. "For a month I do not sell much," laments the boy. Others run after the vehicles. They earn their daily bread by the sweat of their labour.

Obviously, the decree of the prefect of Mfoundi signed on 27 July prohibiting trade by the children in the street is not enough to deter them.

If the measure is followed, they will have to find another place at the Central Post Office to sell their goods and serenely prepare for the next school year.