Road Control : Council Agents Not For Car Documents

Over the years, there has been a lot of misunderstanding between the municipal agents and road users. Hardly does a day go by without news of a fight between either a commercial moto bike rider or a car owner and municipal agents. This is because most often the municipal agents request documents that are not within their competence. Some even go as far as asking for a National Identity Card and driving license. It was a disturbing situation on April 7, 2022 when circulation was altered at different locations within the city of Douala as the municipal agents defied the Minister’s decision and went on the road checking car documents even those that were not within their reach. They faced stiff resistance from commercial motorbikes which led to an imbroglio. It took the intervention of the forces of law and order to restore calm and serenity within the city of Douala.
Jasper Ngobock, a taxi driver in Douala, explained that the municipal agents are a nuisance on the road as some don’t even know what to look out for. “At times they asked for insurance documents, first aid box, National Identity card which are not within their competence. How can a council agent ask for a first aid box in a taxi within the city”, he asked. He further explained that “at times their demand can really make you get angry and force you to take the laws into your own hands”. Meanwhile, Evelyn Soppo was pissed off with the fact that the municipal agents most often get to the road during rush hours when people are struggling to get to their various offices on time. To her it was good they get the necessary training a...