Emmanuel Kendemeh
13 May 2008
Preparations ahead of the 36th edition of Cameroon's National Day to be celebrated on Tuesday, 20th May, 2008 are more and more intensive nationwide.
Special preparations are taking place in the nation's political capital, Yaounde. Anyone who passes through the Yaounde 20 May Avenue would readily understand that a great event will soon take place. This is because of the refurbishing work carried at the grandstand at the Avenue from where the Head of State, Paul Biya and his special guests would watch both the civilian and military match past.
Refurbishing work started at the grandstand almost a month ago and work now mainly consists of putting the finishing touches. Yesterday, builders, painters, carpenters and electricians were busy. Indeed, a new coat of paint is being put. Some electricians were at the ceremonial ground busy verifying the effectiveness of the lighting and the air conditioning systems. The street lights of the Avenue are also being repaired. Carpenters on their part have been busy removing the planks and other material that were used to refurbish the roof, ceiling and architectural decorations in the three main grandstands. Builders on their part, were plastering the new special pillars erected at the presidential grandstand to ensure that the place sparkles.
As technicians concentrated on refurbishing the grandstand, the Army, Police, National Gendarmerie, Penitentiary Administration, as well as civilian institutions and organisations, are bracing up to stage a spectacular march past in front of the Head of State come Tuesday, 20th May 2008. Each of the forces are carrying out rehearsals in different parts of the city ahead of 16 May when rehearsals would move to the Yaounde 20 May Avenue. It is understandably clear that rehearsals both in different parts of the city and at the main ceremonial ground cause traffic disturbances. Sources at the Yaounde Central Police Station N° I, say measures have been taken to enable smooth traffic flow before and during the National Day feast. As at now, the source said, each Police Unit positions Policemen wherever the road is blocked to enable rehearsals take place. They direct the movement of vehicles in accordance with the deviation put in place and also work at the main junctions in the area concerned to rid off any traffic jam. When the centre of activities would move to the Yaounde 20th May Avenue, the source said, more Policemen will be positioned at the peripheries of the place to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.
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Haha! Isnt it funny when you use the word 'refurbishment' when it comes to that bullevard crab? Who got the multi billion contract this time? I mean which General and from which regiment? Why on earth would any one in his right mind consider the nailing and whitewashing of a few planks criss-crossed here and there as 'refurbishment?' Shame on you guys. And by the way, what did you say it as again? 'National Day?' You must have taken too much whacky backy!