Douala: Trucks become sole transportation means for University of Douala students
Since the start of the 2023/2024 academic year, students of the PK 14 campus of the University of Douala are transported like merchandise on a truck to school and back home, daily.
Trucks became their school bus since last academic year, due to the deplorable state of the PK 14 – PK 21 stretch of road, that is inaccessible for taxi drivers.
“The state of the road is chronic and pathetic this rainy season. It is muddy and slippery. Deep craters are found everywhere on the road”. A student said.
Mostly motorbikes use the road stretch, yet students still find it difficult to get on campus early and to return home after lectures.
“Commercial bike riders charge us exorbitant costs. From PK 14 to the University campus bike riders ask us 700frs. Since we can’t afford to pay we have no choice than to climb on sand trucks that transport us very cheap.” Another student stranded and waiting for a truck disclosed.
Other issues brought about by this situation include lateness to school, accidents, and so on.
“Students go late to school and tend to miss lectures. Even workers go to work late because they have to trek a long distance”. Explained a stranded lecturer.
About a week ago, a female lecturer of the University of Douala died on the road stretch, when a container on a trailer fell on her.
