The move is part of a broader plan to tackle urban disorder in the nation’s capital and boost the overall well-being of inhabitants
Yaounde City Mayor, Luc Messi Atangana has banned street vending in several major market areas and other commercial centers in the town in a bid to tackle urban disorder and boost public safety in the capital city. Effective January 20, 2025, the sale of goods in wheelbarrows, shopping carts and portable stalls will be strictly prohibited on streets, sidewalks and other public spaces in major markets and other commercial areas in the town. This is contained in a statement issued by the City Mayor this week.
The markets affected by the ban include Mokolo, Messa, Elig Effa, Village des Jeunes, Etetak, Carrefour Meec, Carrefour Nkolbisson, Central market, Etoudi market, Ekounou market, Nsam market, Terminus Mimboman, Mimboman Sapeur, Emombo Paroisse, and Essos market areas, all major commercial centers in the city. The ban is part of a broader urban development plan aimed at modernizing the Yaounde city’s infrastructure and improving the overall quality of life for the town’s residents.
By clearing the streets of vendors, local authorities in the town aim to create more space for pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving the flow of goods and services. Since the announcement, residents have largely welcomed the move, with most residents stating that the development will lead to a more organized and efficient market environment.
With the vendors relocated to designated areas within the markets, shoppers say they can now expect a more structured and stress-free shopping experience spiced by a better access to goods and services. Additionally, the reduction in the street-side vending is expected to alleviate some of the traffic congestion that has long plagued the city’s main roads.
Move could negatively affect vendors
Despite the positive reception of the City Council’s decision, there is fear that relocating the vendors have by the adjustment may also pose some challenges. Many vendors rely on their street-side locations for their livelihoods, and the move may require them to adapt to new regulations and operating conditions thereby posing a major threat to their well-being. Furthermore, the city will need to ensure that the new market spaces are adequately equipped to handle the volume of vendors and shoppers while also maintaining a clean and orderly environment to avoid disorder.
