2023-11-19 23:11:49
Truck or coach drivers, passengers and economic players are delighted with the opening of the last section of the highway connecting Abidjan to Bouaké by expressway. On the other hand, traders who were used to seeing passengers regularly stop along the old track are seeing a drastic drop in their revenue.
From our correspondent in Abidjan,
The coach taking the Abidjan-Bouaké line makes a short break at Tiébissou. Abou, backpack on one shoulder, gets off the bus to stretch his legs. He regularly uses transport to make this journey. “ The journey is faster, simpler and smoother. So, I find it impeccable compared to previous years, so that’s very good. »
On August 23, the last section of the Abidjan-Bouaké highway was inaugurated in Tiébissou. It doubles the old track, narrow and deteriorated. Less fatigue, fewer accidents, and vehicles that better support the journey. This is also the observation of bus driver Amara Doumia. “ Before, there were a lot of stops, as it was on the small track. Often there are collisions and cars break down. »
Road driver, Ali Ouedraogo operates on the Ouagadougou-Abidjan route. Ivory Coast is the first trading partner of Burkina Faso. It is through this strategic axis that the majority of goods pass. “ On the old road, it could take a whole day because of the state of the roadexplains the driver. Now, we drivers are the ones who are comfortable. »
Aggrieved traders
From next year, the economic impact of the opening of this last section will be able to be estimated. But not everyone benefits from the new highway. Traders who used to work along the old road feel wronged, like Fanta Bakayoko, who waits in front of her sweet potato and tomato stall.
« There was a lot of traffic. People came every day, there was a crowd, but now it’s not like that. Today, we are in debt. Since it’s food, once it’s left, you can’t sell it the next day. You have to be in debt. Today, there is not a street trader who is not in debt. We are all in debt “, she laments.
Fanta plans to find a new location near the expressway and prefers to philosophize. “ It’s evolution, we want to move forward. Everyone pays the price, these are the disadvantages of development. »
The northern highway is part of the major structuring motorway project for sub-regional integration: opening up the north and creating the Dakar-Lagos corridor by 2035.
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