The Bismarck??s Fountain in Buea (opposite the Buea Archives), is a place that re-ignites positive memories of the German colonial legacy in Cameroon. For those with a penchant for history, needless to elucidate who was Otto Von Bismarck and why a Fountain was erected
for posterity to honour the great Imperial Chancellor of the German Empire. Needless also to mention that for mountaineers (especially foreign tourists) who want to discover Mount Cameroon, the lane to the ??Chariot of the gods?? unavoidably snakes its way besides the Bismarck??s Fountain. Unfortunately, the place is a replica of neglect with weeds towering more than four metres. And if you don??t know what a Fountain is, therefore (simply put) it means a place where there??s a permanent jet of water. But the tap in question went dry years ago! In front of the Fountain, embarrassed tourist guides bite their lips (because of the excessive overgrowth) when they try explaining to tourists what the Bismarck??s Fountain incarnates. We don??t know who is responsible for maintaining the important edifice. All we know, for sure, is that tourists are not amused by the sight. Why? Because this is a black stain that poses disturbing questions than answers. Is there someone in charge … and who cares?
Peter N. EFANDE, Cameroun Tribune
