32 bikes impounded in massive clampdown on clandestine transportation

Cameroon Headlines, Buea, June 14 – 32 motor-bikes have been seized and impounded in Buea following a massive clampdown on clandestine transportation by the Buea Council in collaboration the forces of law and order, Thursday, June 12.

The operation was the outcome of several meetings held between municipal authorities, security officials and representative of the various transportation syndicates and unions in Buea.

Buea Council staff mount seized motor bikes on truck

A meeting at the Buea Council Chambers, June 10, resolved on the use of repressive measures to regulate the transport sector in the town. The meeting follows a communiqué of the Divisional Officer of Buea, Paul Kouam Wokam, warning commercial motor bike riders to desist from circulating within the urban centres.

As a way to implement the DO’s communiqué and a standing municipal decision, Buea Mayor, Patrick Ekema Esunge embarked on a mass campaign to weed off clandestine transporters off the roads in the municipality.

The exercise was carried out amidst heavy resistance from the population.  In Muea where motor bike riders had taken the exception for the rule, the presence of the forces of law and order and the fierce looking elements of the Buea municipal police led to the success of the operation.

“We were not informed that there was going to be a crackdown on illegal transportation within the urban centres. We have been operating like this for a long time. They should have made us to prepare,” one of the commercial motor bike riders fumed.

“We were never consulted before they took their decisions. We can be asked to work in the bush areas. How much money are we going to make. This is where we get our own bread, the council should leave us alone,” another smacked.

Mayor Ekema reminded them of the municipal decision and also of the recent communiqué of the DO. He drew their attention that the council has been very patient with them, despite the several sensitisation meetings they have held with their representatives.

“The bikes are not allowed to ply the major roads. They are supposed to work within the rural areas…this repressive measure is coming after several accidents and crimes involving these bikes have been recorded…we as municipal authorities cannot sit back and watch things go wrong,” Ekema said.

Ekema said those who had their bikes impounded will pay FCFA 25,000 as fines, while those whose vehicles have been impounded will be fined FCFA 50,000. The fines will follow a commitment from the said individual to respect existing regulations guiding transportation within the town.

He hinted that the operation will continue in the days ahead and will be sporadic.

Njoh Stanley, Head of the Buea Council Municipal police refuted claims that his colleagues assigned to check the activities of clandestine transporters have been complacent. He said all measures have been taken to ensure that only those who meet up with existing regulations ply the roads.