Cameroon: Bridge Collapse Leaves Thousands Stranded in Mayo Danay

The situation has affected thousands of residents in Yagoua, as the bridge was crucial for connecting several neighborhoods, including Bagara, Mamina, Kaskao, and Djogoidi. Many areas are now isolated, and the damage to the main water pipe from Camwater has left parts of the city without access to clean drinking water.

Local officials, including Mayo Danay Prefect Jean Lazare Ndongo Ndongo, Sub-Prefect Souaibou Zouroumba, and Yagoua Mayor Pierre Lirawa, are coordinating efforts to manage the crisis. To assist residents, boats have been mobilized to provide limited transportation, but access to essential resources remains difficult.

Two potential solutions are being explored by the Ministry of Public Works following inspections: sourcing culvert materials from a nearby bridge project over the Logone River and using available steel beams from the regional public works office.

The collapse of the bridge, built over 40 years ago, has worsened the area's already fragile infrastructure, affecting economic activity and preventing students from attending school. Despite ongoing efforts, the community is calling for urgent and sustainable action from the government to address the crisis.

Opposition figures have criticized the government's response, accusing the administration of neglecting the region, which has been historically loyal to President Paul Biya. Residents and officials alike are urging for immediate solutions to restore access and normalcy to the region.