Traders defy municipal orders, continue selling on railway line
Traders at the Nyalla Rail market in Douala, Littoral region, have continued selling along to the railway line despite repressive municipal actions and the killing of a woman by a train in May 2024.
Speaking to some of the traders selling along and on the rails, they told CNA that the wellbeing of their families is more precious than their lives.
“There’s no market space left. If Ieave this place where will I go to? I have children back home to feed and take care of their needs”. A business woman told CNA.
“I have been selling here for five years. We don’t have any problem with the train. We are vigilant. The only issue disturbing us is the noise of the train. We feel frightened but we have no choice.” Stated another.
With the unsuccessful efforts of municipal authorities of Douala III to eject the traders from the rails , some CAMRAIL agents are present at the Nyalla Rail market daily to clear the rails from objects which could cause derailment of trains at the business site, given that trains do not slow down around the market area.
“We have warning signs here but the population do not respect them. The cross the rails carelessly, endangering their lives. As for us, we keep an eye on activities on ye rails and ensure objects and persons are off the rails when a train coming” . MAPAN III Alphonse, a CAMTAIL agent incharge of railway maintenance and protection said.
Traders revealed that they frustrated efforts of municipal authorities to chase them from the rails through the draft game. That is, escape when they are around and return when they are gone.
