Skip to main content

Wum Main Market on bended knees as ghost towns intensify


The Wum Main Market waiting for traders and buyers
Located in Wum central town, The Wum Main Market used to boom in the good old days, attracting vendors and buyers from Weh, Esu, Benakuma, Befang, Bafut, Ngie, Bamenda and beyond. Wum Main Market was noted for maize, plantains, cocoyam, tomatoes, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, palm oil, amongst others.
Before the advent of the current crisis, Wum Main market was waxing strong. Few months after the crisis, the Wum Main Market began to breathe its last breath, begging for a kiss of life. The council tried some renovation works by lobbying for the construction of twenty four new sheds but it was like too late. The crisis hammered the last nail on Wum Main market's coffin, as bandits took advantage of the stalemate to loot the sheds.
On several occasions, night watch had engaged armed robbers in a fierce fight resulting to the abandonment of the robbers’ booty. Many had feared that Wum Main market will be burnt down as was the case in other sub divisions. Luckily enough it never happened. Since the “non state armed groups had to retaliate to clean their tarnished image and that of the defense and security forces, as they were both accused of being behind the robberies.
But unfortunately, despite not being burnt, the Wum Main market still ended up dying. The market is today a shadow of itself. The business arena that was once booming, is likened to the last kick of a dying horse. Businessmen are yet to feel coins in their palms or see the affluence of customers like in those old good days of yore-glamour.
How buyers managed to communicate with sellers, no one can tell. Satellite markets often surfaced in several parts of Wum municipality. After all, is it often said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going?  Many food items and other farm produce are often sold in these satellite markets, and even on the weekly rotative market days, to enable buyers, the population, to get what they need. One of the vegetable sellers, struggling to make ends meet told me the unbearable situation of the country has pushed them to be going through such an experience. She said because of the numerous ghost towns, they can't have enough to satisfy the needs of the population and the buyam sellam and as a result, they had to carry their produce from the suburbs on their heads and trek to some of the satellite markets, covering for some, a distance of over 5km so as to meet with buyers. As to how business was faring, she said "We are just managing. Only few buyers are even coming. Because of the distortion, many can't identify where to now locate us."
One of the businesses that has been hardly hit because of the current stalemate is the pig business. Many villagers had been selling their pigs at giveaway prices to buyers who now take advantage of the situation. This is because a bag of animal feed that used to sell at 3000F has suddenly skyrocketed to 5000 and the stock that was left in the stores is exhausted. Dealers in the suburbs can no longer have supply from Bamenda because of the road blocks.
Transport agencies don't longer exist this has led to an astronomic increase in transport fares leaving at times no other option to passengers to choose. Those who hadn't sold their pigs are now regretting because no one knows tomorrow.
One of the pig dealer narrated the difficulties he faces; "The situation in town now is rough. Very soon we will be facing difficulties to feed them. So we are left with no option than to remove them and sell." To this, the infuriated and emaciated pig farmer added; "There's no profit. Instead we are selling at a loss because there's no means for buyers to even come and buy."

The sand-sand boys of Agulli, Bangwe, Weh, Esu and Befang have not been spared. In the past, especially during summer holidays, many young boys earned a living from extracting sand from the rivers. There are students who paid their fees, rents and procured other school needs with money they worked through the sale of sand. But right now, hips of fine sand have been grounded along the banks of river Menchum and other rivers. Tippers can't access these rivers because of road blocks.
      At the end, the idle mind of these young boys and men will automatically become the devil's workshop. No doubt many of the members of the gang that gave sleepless nights to the inhabitants of Wum municipality, were all youngsters.
In those old good days
Many inhabitants of Menchum Division are looking up to  the Cameroon government, to deescalate the crisis. The situation is gradually coming under control as calm is gradually returning to this peace loving Division.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

LES BRASSERIES DU CAMEROUN: Poised to revamp dying North West Economy.

As the crisis persists in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, economic sabotage has been part of the modus operandi of the Separatists. One of the companies that have suffered from such sabotage is the Brewery company, Les Brasseries Du Cameroun. However in it’s new program as announced by the company Earlier this year, it seeks to revamp it’s commercial Centre in Bamenda and the 4 Depots of Kumbo, Nkambe, Wum and Fundong. This with a workforce of 400 workers, over 200 in Bamenda and about 50 in each of the 4 Depots, with a majority of the workers hailing from the North West Region. It is calculated that, over 30 Suppliers, two of whom supply the majority of the drinks sold in the Bamenda Commercial Centre, about 3000 regular retailers and over 2000 in the informal sector will get employed. They will be able to develop their families and improve on their livelihood by educating their children, building decent homes, and investing in diverse fields,...

Breaking the Cycle: Confronting Gender-Based Violence and Drug Abuse in Bamenda

In a bid to tackle the pressing issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse, the "Adjust for Me" project, implemented by Common Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND), has been making strides in the Ntarikon 2 community, Bamenda. The project, which aims to raise awareness and educate the community on the causes, consequences, and prevention of GBV and drug abuse, has been well-received by community members. According to Nde Christopher, a community spokesperson trained within the context of the project, the initiative has been instrumental in sensitizing the community on the ills of GBV and drug abuse. "We have organized door-to-door sensitization efforts, reaching many community members and educating them on the importance of addressing GBV and drug abuse," Christopher explained. The project has also provided a platform for community members to share their experiences and concerns regarding GBV and drug abuse. Swirri Adeline, a community member who parti...

Embracing Tranquility and Excitement: A Look into Wum Municipality.

In the heart of Wum municipality, a serene atmosphere envelopes its residents on this beautiful Monday morning. The peacefulness is juxtaposed with the echoes of the thrilling football matches that reverberated throughout the community over the weekend. As life moves forward, schools within the area are diligently preparing for their first sequence evaluations. Join us as we delve into the delightful harmony of calmness and excitement that defines Wum municipality. Waking up to a tranquil morning offers a sense of peace and serenity that can greatly impact one's well-being. Wum municipality, with its picturesque surroundings, owe inspiring valleys, breathtaking vegetation, mountains suitable for hiking, and welcoming community, basks in the glory of a calm ambiance. As residents start their day, they can enjoy the gentle breeze, the rustle of leaves, and the joy of feeling connected to nature though still afraid of the unknown as forces crouch in darkness are calling the shots for ...