The onset of the rainy season has advantages and disadavantages. Joseph M. lived one of the dreaded days of his life last week. As early as 7:30 am, dressed in a pair of suit,

 tie and well-polished shoes, he left their Mabanda family residence en route to Bonanjo. His reason: certify his documents in order to sit for a newly-launched public entrance examination.

Upon reaching the administrative quarters in Bonanjo, Joseph M. was too preoccupied moving from one office to the other that he neither saw the clouds gather nor did he remember that “It never rains, it pours!” Before the 26-year-old graduate could realise, heavy raindrops came down, as though the sky had broken loose. And all the day’s effort, within the twinkle of an eye, was reduced to null, given that he got soaked, alongside his certified documents.

The above is barely a glimpse of what city dwellers undergo on a daily basis in the economic capital. The rainy season which usually runs from early June to mid-October, is already making its strides. According to health specialists, this period introduces a new wave of health hazards. They include cold or influenza with symptoms like low grade fever, nasal blockage or discharge, fatigue, sneeze and/or cough. If neglected, influenza can easily be super-infected with bacteria, leading to complicated cases like infection of the ear, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Another health disorder is athlete’s feet. Petty traders and hawkers are most vulnerable to this infection because they spend long hours wearing wet shoes. This later causes foot rot which can have far reaching health consequences. As for new-born babies, nursing mothers tend to be more attentive in keeping them warm, while devising several alternatives for drying clothes and napkins. After two days of rainfall, residents of Ngangue in the New Bell neighbourhood on Friday June 21, 2013 embarked on repairing default roofs and broken walls in their houses. Like many residential areas in Douala, floods are recorded due to poor water drainage system.

Like every other thing, the approach of the rainy season brings negative alongside good tidings. In most markets and streets, the season has ushered in a new wave of sellers. This involves dealers in seasonal goods like umbrellas, mufflers, pull-overs, rain coat and boots. Perishable goods equally witness abundance and cheaper prices, especially at the start of the season. Though a majority of trader CT talked to at the Douala Central Market complained about a low turnout given their inability to exhibit their goods, with few persons defying the rains to come to the market, a good number of businesspersons are making hey while rain falls.