By Nfor Nkfu
The bus shuttle project within Bamenda City has received a major booster from government. The project is now expected to move on in earnest following the allocation of the sum of 100 million FCFA by the government.
 |
| City Mayor Paul Achumbong |
City Mayor Paul Achumbong made the revelation Wednesday March 31, 2021 during a session with councilors in attendance.
“The government has allocated 100million to support the bus shuttles and the city council intends to buy more buses alongside one air-conditioned bus which can also be used by councilors for leisure or when need arises". The Mayor said
In effect, the city mayor added that the bus shuttles will hence forth be free of charge following an order from the presidency of the Republic.
"Instructions from the presidency of the Republic indicate that no franc should be received for the bus services in town. No passenger should pay a dime even if it is requested by who", he furthered.
It should be noted that before now, the shuttles were paid at subsidized rates.
The city council introduced bus shuttles within Bamenda since last year to fill the vacuum created by the ban on commercial motor-bikes from some parts of the city. The initiative that commenced with seven mini buses which saw some of the buses attacked and destroyed on the field by separatist fighters.
Most city dwellers have hitherto been scared of using the buses for circulation due to insecurity.
“I can't risk my life entering those buses. It is a potential target for separatist fighters judging from the past", a city dweller told this reporter on the strength of anonymity.
As it stands, the situation of Bamenda requires not only free-fare buses but security assurance and by far the resolution of the near four year armed conflict that has created distrust from all corners. An observer notes.