By Njah Maurine
The official reopening of schools throughout Cameroon brought a mix of emotions in Bamenda, the capital of the North West Region. While students in other parts of the country joyfully returned to their classrooms, their peers in Bamenda and nearby areas were unable to do so due to a lockdown enforced by separatist fighters.
Two days into the new school year, the streets of Bamenda are completely emptied of its human content. No pupils, no students,. No taxis, no bikes neither are there traders, vendors, hawkers or open shops and markets. It’s a complete lack down. No students and pupils in their bright and fancy to uniforms, or carrying their bags. The hussle and bustle that characterised other cities, towns and villages on this first week of school reopening is completely absent in Bamenda and most of the Northwest region.
The ongoing lockdown has had a severe impact on the local economy, particularly on businesses that rely on the school calendar. Book vendors, who typically experience a surge in sales during this period, are now experiencing a sharp decline in turnover.
Some vendor of Books and Bags say the situation has deeply affected their businesses. They used to be very busy during this time, but now, it is difficult even to make ends meet.
The bustling streets of Bamenda, normally filled with the energy of students during the school season, now feel quiet. The absence of pupils and students has left a palpable void in the community. Despite the challenges, school administrators are appealing to parents to send their children to school.
While the uncertainty looms large, there is a collective belief that once the lockdown is lifted, things will gradually revert to normalcy.
“I am waiting for this period to pass, I will send my children to school, but not now” a parent told City Web this morning.
many other we spoke to hold same view. Others have simply taken the safe option by moving out of the region for these opening week.
“My neighbours left on Sunday for Bafoussam, with her entire family” a resident of Meta Quarter confirmed to us
For now, the people of Bamenda remain hopeful for a resolution to the crisis and a return to normalcy
