The heavy traffic in the area scares many visitors from the neighbourhood.
Inhabitants of the Sous Manguier neighbourhood in Nkomo, Yaounde have their hearts in the hands. In the past few years, life has become almost unbearable for residents following persistent jams in the area. Sous Manguier is situated along the main road to the East Region and linked to the Kondengui neighbourhood by a steep slope that is the cause of several accidents in the area.
The heavy traffic at the Sous Manguier Junction scares many visitors from that neighbourhood. As a result, most of the inhabitants leave for work early to beat the daily traffic jams. Some have even moved to other neighbourhoods in order to avoid the inconveniences caused by the traffic jam. Isaac Nguimbus, a mechanic who lives in the area complained that traffic jam in the area is unbearable. He said people have to leave their houses at 6 am to avoid traffic jam.
He explained that heavy traffic usually starts from 6:30 am and only eases at about 10 am. In the evenings, it begins from 7 pm till about 10 pm. Sous Manguier Junction is situated along the road to the East Region. As a result, trucks transporting timber and other goods to and from the East Region and beyond, use the same road, Isaac explained.
He said the gridlock is worse because the police do not begin work early enough. “If the police were to begin work early, it will be different, but they only start working at 7 am,” he said. Another inhabitant, Marie Claire Epole said the heavy traffic is due to the fact that the road is narrow. She said another major problem is the steep slope which causes accidents. “It is these accidents that cause traffic jams,” she said.
Senior Police Inspector, Pierre Ngantchou said the police are doing much to ensure free movement of traffic in the area. He said they begin work at 6:30 am and close at 6 pm. Inspector Pierre Ngantchou said the Sous Manguier Junction is narrow and truck drivers do not respect road signs. “The non-respect of road signs creates traffic jams. We are working hard to ensure that vehicle owners respect roads signs,” he assured.
