Douala: Motorbike Riders Hike Transport Fare Due to Rains
By Synthia Lateu
As the rainy season sets in and intensifies across Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, finding a means of transport has become a growing challenge, especially on rainy mornings. Commuters are grappling with flooded roads, longer wait times, and a sharp increase in fares, especially from motorbike riders.
At the entrance of Ndogpassi Market, in Douanla 3 subdivision on July 3, residents trudged through murky floodwaters in search of transport. The flooded bus stop forced many onto the median strip, while others waited directly on the road.
“I’ve been standing here for nearly 45 minutes,” said Raïssa Julia, huddled under an umbrella. “The wait is long. I’m waving at taxis, but none seem to see me. I don’t know if it’s the traffic or the water. There’s no way to get to the office. I don’t know when I’ll arrive, but the most important thing is to arrive.”
For Koloko, a commuter on his way to work, the situation was no different. After waiting for over an hour in vain for a motorbike or taxi, he was eventually forced to wade through the floodwaters on foot, describing the road conditions as completely impassable.
The rising cost of transport is adding to the frustration
“Prices have practically doubled,” said Gabin, a resident. “I usually pay 150 francs to Dakar. Now I’m offering 350, and they’re still asking for coins. It’s not easy.”
“Motorbike riders in particular have raised their prices from 200 francs to 400, 500, even 700 francs,” added another commuter, Laure. “Taxi fares have mostly stayed the same, but bikes are becoming unaffordable.”
On waterlogged roads, vehicle engines often struggle or stall. Navigating the city, especially from one roundabout to another, has become an ordeal whenever it rains.
As rainfall continues, moving across roads in Douala becomes an uphill task. Many fear that unless urgent drainage or transport solutions are introduced, the situation will only deteriorate in the weeks ahead.
The National Observatory on Climate Change (ONACC) has once again raised concern over the recurrent flooding in Douala. The economic capital faces these challenges each year with the arrival of the rainy season.
