*Limbe City Council Takes Firm Action Against Rampant Car Abandonment*

Limbe, Cameroon – In a decisive move to address the growing issue of abandoned vehicles cluttering the streets of Limbe, the Limbe City Council has issued an official proclamation titled “LIMBE IS NOT A PUBLIC GARAGE!” on October 18, 2024.

The publication reads: “LIMBE IS NOT A PUBLIC GARAGE!

Abandoned vehicles on major streets of LIMBE have become a rampant reality that needs to cease.

Many owners of such vehicles have become comfortable with leaving those spoiled cars just anywhere. This is a clear example of urban disorder that needs acute response.

The Limbe City Council has thus proceeded in marking such vehicles, giving owners a defined time to remove them or face consequences enforced by the law includung impoundment.

LIMBE is not a public garage!”

The announcement aims to tackle urban disorder and restore the city’s aesthetic and environmental health.

*Background and Context*

In recent years, the phenomenon of abandoning vehicles has surged in Limbe, creating eyesores and contributing to urban blight. Many residents have become accustomed to leaving malfunctioning or unwanted cars on major streets, turning public spaces into unsightly junkyards. The city council’s decision to intervene comes as a response to this widespread problem.

The Limbe City Council has marked these abandoned vehicles with red paint, signaling a clear warning to their owners. They have been given a defined timeframe to remove these vehicles or face legal consequences, including impoundment. The council’s proclamation emphasizes that Limbe will no longer tolerate this form of urban neglect.

In a statement, the council asserted, “Abandoned vehicles on major streets of Limbe have become a rampant reality that needs to cease. This is a clear example of urban disorder that needs an acute response. The Limbe City Council has thus proceeded in marking such vehicles, giving owners a defined time to remove them or face consequences enforced by the law, including impoundment. Limbe is not a public garage!”

Uncle Ne Newspaper’s reporter, Tata Nelson Berinyuy, captured the reactions of several Limbe residents.

Prince Fonakwo Eddy Tawa: “Thank you, Limbe City Council, for this great initiative.”

Mola Kingsley a resident in for the past 60 years says, “This was not the case, our streets were clean and tidy since before and after indepence, this new choatic situation is unacceptable…. Our streets should be free of these abandoned eyesores.” The Uncle Ne Newspaper also captured the reactions of other Limbe residents like:

Jeanette Mbiango, Local Business Owner: “Abandoned cars have been a major problem, causing congestion and pollution. This initiative is a step in the right direction for a cleaner and more organized Limbe.”

But some opposing reactions were shared by some Limbe City Residents.

Eposie Marie, Resident: “I understand the need to clean up the city, but this sudden action feels too harsh. Some people can’t afford to repair or move their cars immediately. There should be a more gradual approach.”

Samuel Egbe, Taxi Driver: “This new policy might be good in theory, but it’s just adding more stress to the residents. Many of us are struggling already, and now we have to worry about our cars being impounded.”

So far the current choatic situation, has brought about some environmental pollution and congestion given is a fast growing town due to the influx of thousands of Internally Displaced Peoople due to the ongoing Southern Cameroon war of independence, which have been raging for the past 7 years. Limbe City is considered one of the safest areas in Anglophone Cameroon(Green zone) due to its heavy military presence.

The abandonment of vehicles has had far-reaching consequences for the environment and the quality of life in Limbe. These vehicles not only contribute to visual pollution but also occupy valuable public space, leading to increased congestion.

Abandoned cars often leak harmful fluids, contaminating soil and water sources, further exacerbating environmental degradation.

The removal of these vehicles is expected to alleviate congestion, making the streets safer and more navigable. Moreover, reducing the number of abandoned cars will decrease pollution levels, as these vehicles often release hazardous substances into the air and ground. The council’s initiative is also seen as a positive step towards addressing climate change, as cleaner streets contribute to a healthier urban environment. The Limbe City Council’s bold stance against car abandonment marks a significant effort to restore order and cleanliness to the city. By enforcing strict measures and holding vehicle owners accountable, the council hopes to create a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment for all residents.

As the campaign progresses, the council urges all citizens to cooperate and support this initiative, ensuring that Limbe remains a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.

Reported by Tata Nelson Berinyuy for the Uncle Ne Newspaper, Limbe, South West Region, Cameroon