The anarchic occupation of the roads is a recurring and worrying phenomenon in the commune of Bobo-Dioulasso. An action which is not without negative consequences on the development of the city.
It is almost 9 a.m. when we walk along the Belle-Ville market on the road leading to INSSA. Between taxis, tricycles, motorcycles, etc., the area around the market is mainly occupied by women already there, impatiently waiting for potential customers. The atmosphere is cheerful as usual. Serenity can be seen on the faces of these valiant traders. At the fruit and vegetable market where we visited, the spectacle is practically the same. Ditto on Boulevard de la Révolution. The “messy” occupation of the roads occupied by traders, second-hand dealers, craftsmen, etc., without forgetting these vehicles which unload their goods right in the middle of the public highway. Everything is jumbled together, and sometimes even on the asphalt. Impossible to park. And this despite the joint press release published on September 14, 2023 in which the Minister in charge of Transport, Urban Mobility and Road Safety and his counterparts from the Territorial Administration and Commerce, inviting traders, transporters and road drivers to free up the right-of-way of roadways “at least two meters on either side of the carriageways”. And according to the same press release, from November 1, 2023, any offender will be punished. In addition to running a great risk by exhibiting on these lanes, they also put customers at risk, as they are forced to clear a space on the lane for their purchases. This anarchic occupation of the public domain, however, has negative consequences such as the obstruction of roads which become almost inaccessible, the degradation of road infrastructure, and traffic accidents. Incivism and ignorance are undoubtedly at the root of the obstruction of public roads. While some people are unaware of the ban on this practice, others are well and truly aware that it is prohibited. Hence the time to crack down now.
Jemima WARMA
Stéphanie Pingueda YAMEOGO/ Interns
