Yaounde Illegal Shops demolished in Major Urban Cleanup Operation
melen roadside
by Atta Yvette
The pavements around Melen Market have been cleared after a demolition operation targeting illegal structures that had long turned the area into one of the most congested points in Yaounde. Authorities in Yaounde have carried out a large-scale demolition of illegal structures around Melen Market as part of efforts to restore urban order and ease traffic congestion. The operation targeted makeshift shops and unauthorized extensions that had gradually occupied pavements and road edges, forcing pedestrians to walk dangerously on the roadway. Over time, the area had become heavily congested, contributing to waste accumulation and blocked drainage systems. Under the supervision of municipal authorities and security forces, bulldozers dismantled wooden stalls and concrete extensions encroaching on public space. Officials say the goal is to restore the road’s original width and improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers.While the intervention has been welcomed by many commuters, concerns remain about the future of displaced traders, as similar operations in the past have often been followed by a return of informal activity.To prevent a relapse, the city council is reportedly considering stricter surveillance and the creation of designated relocation zones for affected vendors.The operation marks another step in Yaoundé’s ongoing struggle to balance urban development with informal trade realities.
