“Clandos”: Danger To Citizens, State Property

The clandestine transport sector is not only disorganised but exposed to road accidents.

“Clandos”, better known as “Opep” vehicles are a regular means of transport for a majority of inhabitants living in peripheral neighbourhoods in Yaounde such as Oyom- Abang, Nkolbission, Mendong, Dagobert and Béatitudes.

Despite the fact that this transport sector is unregulated, disorganised and characterised by dilapidated and recalcitrant drivers, the population from these areas say they cannot do without “Clandos” cars because that is the most available means of travelling when they think of leaving home for any chores in the town of Yaounde.

Friday, December 14, 2017 was a very busy day for Augusta T as she had to leave her Mendong-Simbock residence for several errands in the town of Yaounde.

It was a long and risky journey for Augusta who had to take motorbikes and two different “Clando” vehicles to reach her final destination which was the Post Office junction. The chaotic manner in which “clando” operators rushed for passengers was a disturbing scenario for Augusta T who almost lost one of her bags in the process.

More dangerous was the crowded nature of the bus as some passengers were victims of assault and theft. Augusta was lucky to come out of the car with all the money she had. But it was not all joy for her as part of her dress was greatly dirty due to the filthy and dilapidated nature of the car.

This made it impossible for Augusta to run the errands she had to carryout in town. This is just a tip of the dangers those using “Clandos” face each day. “Clandos” are veritable causes of road traffic accidents because of the inefficient, low quality and nonroad worthy vehicles within the sector.

Most of the vehicles seen in the sector do not have insurance neither do they have documents which authorise them to operate. Because of the dilapidated nature of the cars, and the...