On November 8, Luc Messi Atangana, Mayor of Yaounde, commissioned the Olembe multimodal transport hub, built behind the stadium. The modern 3,000 square-meter facility will now house the public intercity passenger transport agencies operating on the northern outskirts of the city, notably those along the Tongolo, Mballa 2, Etoudi, Emana, Messassi, and Olembe axes. With the platform now operational, carriers are now allowed up to five days to relocate their activities to the hub.  

By November 12, carriers that fail to vacate the former Etoudi bus station will have their vehicles “systematically impounded,” mayor Atangana warns. 

Three deadlines were previously issued (May 30, June 23, and July 10). However, carriers were reluctant to comply. They were citing security issues at the new site to justify their reluctance. "The infrastructure is operational with all the necessary amenities, namely public lighting by Eneo and solar power, as well as the presence of two police stations at the front and rear of the platform,"  assures Luc Messi Atangana. 

The assurance seems to have convinced the Employers' Organisation of Transporters and Transports Auxiliary Union (OPSTAC), which praised the “architectural jewel” and promised they would relocate. 

"Transporters are often assaulted, especially those on public rights-of-way. They believe it is time to relocate to this architectural jewel for the insecurity to stop,” says OPSTAC secretary-general, Jean-Paul Noah. According to the latter, the organization has taken all the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of both drivers and passengers.  The measures include the installation of video surveillance cameras, the hiring of security guards commonly known as “Gros bras” (heavy lifters) as well as collaboration with clearly identified cab and mototaxi drivers who will safely drop passengers at their desired destinations. 

The urban community of Yaounde claims that the Olembe multimodal hub’s bus station is the largest in the city, with spots available for large, medium-sized, and small travel agencies. It also offers 600 retail spaces and modern laundries, according to the same source.

Patricia Ngo Ngouem