From the facelift it has received from the City Council and Douala II Municipal Council in less than six months, it is certain that New Bell will soon lose its description as a slum. It has rendered access to the Central Prison from the leeward side passable. Renovation of Streets like the Kassalafam 1 and those around Haossa Quarter and new Onion Market, 5 and 7 metres wide, which were due completion within seven months is nearing completion even before the time frame.
The Cameroon Office of the Chinese company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBCCO) is executing the renovation project consisting of paving and recoating the walls and floors of gutters with concrete, while tarring road surfaces. Most particular is Mokam Street whose renovation has given new look to the area. Although the Mokam Street is at the heart and booming part of New Bell, before now it remained neglected over a dozen years, according Bamum quarter head. It was used as an available space to dump waste by business people that lined up its borders as well as some inhabitants of surrounding residential housing structures. “In addition to the pools of standing water that scared the road users at night produced a pungency that stunned every stranger,” explains a shopkeeper, who asked for anonymity. “Work on the stretch is a great relief to us,” he added.
The Douala II Municipal Council has been instrumental having changed given a facelift to the neighbourhood. The numerous earth roads recently rehabilitated and coated with laterite earth can be seen as Mayor Denise Fampou’s efforts. She used the last Board meeting of the council hitting hard against neglect of roads by relevant council services.
