Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kate Bih
Published on 2024-04-06 14:51:10
Market traders in Nkwen, Bamenda, in the North West Region of Cameroon have recently staged a protest against the increasing cost of rents at the market. The traders are already facing challenges such as ghost towns and the Anglophone crisis, and they feel that the rent hikes have only added to their difficulties.
The traders have expressed discontent with the Bamenda City Council for imposing significant rent increases despite the inadequate market infrastructure and the ongoing armed conflict in the region. Furthermore, traders at other major markets like the Main Market and Ntarinkon Markets, which are also under the control of the City Council, have raised similar concerns about poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
One trader, who was previously paying 24,000 FCFA per quarter, has now been asked to pay 32,000 FCFA for the same period. This sharp increase in rent prices has caused frustration among the trading community, especially since they feel that they are not receiving adequate basic services like clean water and proper sanitation.
This protest is just one of many that have taken place since January 2024, highlighting the ongoing dissatisfaction among traders with the conditions at the market. Despite the outcry, the Bamenda City Council has not issued any official statements addressing the situation, leaving the traders’ concerns unattended.
In a recent public statement, the City mayor suggested that those who are unable to afford the increased rents should simply leave. This response has only further fueled the anger and frustration among the traders, who feel that they are being unfairly burdened by the rising costs without any improvements in the services provided.
Overall, the protest by market traders in Nkwen reflects a broader issue of dissatisfaction and neglect within the market system in Bamenda. The lack of response from the City Council and the dismissive attitude of the City mayor have only served to exacerbate tensions and deepen the grievances of the traders. It remains to be seen whether any concrete actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by the traders and improve the overall market conditions in the region.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
