In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed three lives in the Mile II neighborhood in Nkwen in Bamenda III, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, community leaders are calling for accountability and a renewed focus on safety standards in infrastructure projects. Among the most vocal is Fon Nsoh Michael, coordinator of the Community Initiative for Sustainable Development, who has urged authorities and stakeholders to address systemic failures rather than shift blame onto local residents.
The incident occurred after heavy downpours caused a surge in water levels, sweeping away several individuals attempting to cross a temporary pedestrian structure installed alongside an ongoing bridge construction project. The structure, erected by BUNS, was intended as a mitigation measure to ensure continued access for pedestrians during construction.
Rescue efforts led by Taku Paul and an army unit, in collaboration with local residents, resulted in the recovery of three bodies, all women over the age of 40, at a swampy area below Street Four in Mulang. The number of missing persons remains unclear.
“Development Must Not Increase Suffering”
Speaking on behalf of COMINSUD, Fon Nsoh Michael emphasized that infrastructure development should prioritize human welfare above all else. “The essence of every development is to improve lives, not to increase suffering,” he said.
He pointed out that major projects typically include social, environmental, and economic impact assessments, along with mitigation measures designed to minimize harm to communities. In this case, the temporary pedestrian walkway was one such measure but one that failed in execution.
“The intention was not harmful,” he acknowledged. “But the structure became a death trap. It could have been done in a more solid and secure manner.”
Prior Warnings Ignored
According to community members and local observers, concerns about the quality and safety of the makeshift walkway had been raised long before the incident. These warnings, however, appear to have gone unaddressed.
Fon Nsoh Michael stressed that responsibility should not be shifted onto the population. “People were simply making use of an access provided to them. What did they do wrong?” he asked.
He further cautioned against oversimplifying what is fundamentally a technical issue with cost and engineering implications. “Let’s stop heaping blame on the population, especially when these are matters that require professional standards and accountability.”
Questions for BUNS
As a reputable engineering firm operating within a community many consider its own, BUNS now faces scrutiny over its handling of the temporary infrastructure. While the company has not yet issued a detailed public response, expectations are high for transparency and corrective action.
“There is no need to even go into profit considerations at this stage,” Fon Nsoh Michael added. “What matters is that lives were lost, lives that could have been saved with better planning and execution.”
A Call for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked broader discussions about infrastructure safety, oversight, and the role of community engagement in development projects. For COMINSUD and other civil society actors, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety standards and more responsive mechanisms when concerns are raised.
As search operations continue at the local levels and families mourn their losses, one message resonates clearly from Mile II Nkwen, that development must not come at the cost of human life.
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