Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Evelyn N
Published on 2024-03-13 19:46:40
Yaoundé residents woke up to a devastating fire in the Simbock neighborhood this morning. Flames emerged from a bar at Carrifour Bouba Simbock and quickly spread to a neighboring shop, Belle Paradise.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bar’s generator may have caused the electrical issues. Yaoundé, like many other regions in Cameroon, experiences frequent power outages, leading residents and businesses to rely heavily on generators. While these generators provide a temporary solution, they are often cited as fire hazards, and breakdowns are not uncommon.
This incident is just the latest in a series of fires that have damaged businesses in Yaoundé, Douala, Bamenda, Limbe, Maroua, and other parts of the country. Many residents blame ENEO, the privately-owned electricity provider, for the frequent outages and unreliable infrastructure. The frustration is palpable as citizens go about their daily lives without electricity and face the constant threat of fires caused by faulty generators or power surges.
Local authorities are currently investigating the Simbock fire, but the discussion may soon shift to a broader conversation about improving Cameroon’s electrical grid and holding ENEO accountable for ongoing power issues.
The extent of the damage is still unclear, but reports suggest that Belle Paradise was completely destroyed. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries.
This incident underscores the danger of malfunctioning generators and highlights the urgent need for better electrical infrastructure in Yaoundé.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
