Douala – Buea: Transportation costs surge amid year-end festivities
By Synthia Lateu
Transportation costs from Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, to various towns in the South West region have increased by up to 1,000 FCFA amid preparations for year-end festivities.
Travelers heading to the region are flooding the Bonaberi motor park in Douala, where competition to secure a spot in vehicles is intense, with cars filling up quickly and prices rising sharply.
One passenger expressed her frustration: “I usually pay 3,000 FCFA from Douala, Rond Point Deido to Buea without any overload, but today I’ve been asked to pay 4,000 FCFA. I couldn’t afford it, so I decided to come here to Bonaberi.”
At the Bonaberi park, passengers heading to the Southwest, including towns like Tiko, Mutengene, and Buea, now pay 2,000 FCFA instead of the usual 1,500 FCFA. Additionally, the fee for cargo has increased by 500 FCFA, affecting loads that were previously transported for free.
One businesswoman returning to Tiko after stocking up for the festivities remarked, “I kept 2,000 FCFA thinking I would only need 1,500 to travel but I ended up using it all. We are begging to be carried,” projecting further increases in the days ahead.
Most passengers are businesspeople who have entered the town to stock up on festive goods. Some prefer to board buses with their goods to avoid extra costs, making the already congested vehicles even more difficult to navigate.
Retailers from across the country and neighboring nations are flocking to Douala to take advantage of the affordable prices during the festive season. The town serves as a gateway to the country, thanks to its seaport.
