In just less than two months, Covid-19 has further slowed down economic activities that were resisting the ongoing Anglophone crisis in the city of Bamenda in particular, coupled with a change of mentality among denizens.
Many people are now lamenting and asking unanswerable questions.They wonder how to survive as businesses are shattered and closed down as a result of the pandemic.
According to many economic operators and city dwellers whom we talked to, they have suffered enough with the crisis and do not need any other thing to add to their sufferings.
“With Corona virus, we got no choice than to stay home and save our lives rather than move around and jeopardize it” we were told by a spare parts dealer who has decided to shut down his shop for the moment.
To him, it is important to respect all of the preventive measures taken by the government of Cameroon and the World Health Organization (WHO) to curb the spread of this disease.
These measures are not without consequences some people admit.
“Staying at home will increase the rate of hunger and poverty as no business operates. Even when someone has money to buy, they’re rarely places to buy” a denizen told this reporter.
In the North West Region, some people prefer the Anglophone crisis to the virus because they were already acquainted and used to the challenges.
With the crisis, going out depends on an individual courage and determination to do so which means it’s optional, but with Covid-19, and it’s rapid spread across the country with over 100 positive cases registered so far in three regions, one is tempted to self quarantine.
During afternoon periods, just few businesses operate in Bamenda and the population respect the one metre distance prescribed from each other.
Places like Bambili in Tubah Sub Division which use to be a hot spot due to the University of Bamenda (UBa), now look like grave yards.
Bambili is where economic activities are usually booming and many people earn a lot by carrying on activities in this area. This time around especially around 6: pm, not even a fly is found there. All this because of Corona virus. What really is this Corona virus? Laments a hawker in the area.
Notwithstanding, the virus to a majority of inhabitant and students is a blessing and liberator.
Some students say that the virus in one way or the other has reduce stress.
“During school periods, I have books to read and at the same time a project to write since I’m in the final year, ut with the “Corona break” I have so much to write my project” a student admitted.
Households are not left out, in most of the homes, household activities are fast and easy because children are now out of school and idling home and are left with no option than to join hands in handling activities home. As the saying goes, “many hands do work”
A woman confessed to us that she now has quality time with her husband as a result of Covid-19, it is not usually the case as my husband keep busy days and did not have time to spend together with us at home.
Also read this very important article on COVID-19 https://newsupfront.com/fight-against-corona-attitude-of-cameroonians-could-push-government-to-confine-the-entire-nation/
Our children as well can at least feel fatherly love, a vital aspect that was lacking from their father.
By Banseka Mary-Stella in Bamenda (Intern)
Oh my G.this is wonderful.Am so so so impress with your write up mom.i say congratulations to u.keep up with that spirit.may God continue to strengthen you and gives you more wisdom and understanding as u continue to produce your articles.once more congratulations bb gurl