Inhabitants in parts of Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala have vented their frustration on the ceaseless flooding they have been victims of for many years now and on authorities 'failure' to resolve the problem.
The population in Douala Thursday September 16 woke up to a very unpleasant situation, as has been the case since the rainy season started.
A heavy downpour that hit the economic capital as early as 1am prompted floodwaters that kept rising long after the rain had stopped.
Houses, streets and schools flooded, circulation perturbed as vehicles that tried to move through the knee-deep floodwaters got stucked, a situation that pushed affected inhabitants in some neighbourhoods to vent their frustration.
“The rain started at 1:30 am. I was sleeping but my neighbours woke me up at 4am. I got up and everywhere was water. Hey my God! I fled from the crisis in the South West region to come and rest here in Douala. However, I realized where I came to stay is something else.” An IDP living in Makepe Missoke, Douala V speaking to Douala-based Equinox TV said.
“My children left the house this morning without brushing their teeth nor bathing because we did not carry anything along. We just ran out of the house because water was everywhere. We were afraid that water could carry us. I had to remove my children from there before thinking of something else.” Another resident of Makepe Missoke said.
Reports have it that in the curse of the torrential rains, the bridge linking the neighbourhood to other areas in Douala gave way, making it super difficult for inhabitants to go about their daily activities.
Many parents were afraid to send their kids to school for fear that water could carry them away by the waters.
The people have blamed this situation on “incompetence on the part of administrative and municipal authorities in Douala V who according to them do not feel concerned because they are not affected.
“Those governing the country, do they still have a conscience, I personally do not think so. Look at what we are experiencing in 2021, what are they doing with all the money paid as taxes, it is a shame.” An angry citizen told reporters.
Floods are very common in Cameroon’s economic capital especially during the rainy season. The population has once again begged on Government officials to see into the situation and safe them from further damage caused by flooding.
Ariane Foguem
