Tole Tea Estate


Tole Tea Estate is a community in Cameroon, located in the foothills of Mount Cameroon, just a few kilometers from Buea Town. The estate has historically provided housing, employment, and social amenities for its workers and their families, fostering a close-knit environment. Schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces have been established to support the residents, making it a self-sustaining settlement.
Despite its economic significance, the community has faced challenges, particularly following the privatization of the estate in 2002. Labor disputes, wage concerns, and ownership conflicts have impacted the livelihoods of many workers. However, the resilience of the people has kept the community thriving, with ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and maintain its historical legacy.

History

The Tole Tea Estate, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, has a rich history dating back to 1928, when it was established by the British. Under British administration, the estate was managed by the Commonwealth Development Corporation before being transferred to the Cameroon Development Corporation in 1947. In 2002, the estate was privatized, leading to significant changes in its management and operations.

Geography

Buea has a subtropical highland climate, with high humidity because of its location at the foot of Mount Cameroon. Neighborhoods at higher elevations enjoy cooler temperatures, while neighborhoods at lower elevations experience hotter temperatures. Bonduma has a more moderate elevation, generating average temperatures between these two extremes. Extended periods of rainfall, characterized by incessant drizzle, are common during the rainy season and can last for several weeks. During the dry season, Bonduma can suffer from intense water shortages. The latter is becoming increasingly common because of dry conditions in Buea recently.

Culture

The local language in Bonduma is Mòkpè, the language of the majority Bakweri population in Buea. French and English are official languages in Buea, but the town is primarily anglophone. Many of the inhabitants of Buea use Cameroonian Pidgin English.

Location

The Tole Tea Estate is located some five kilometers from Buea Town. Tole is situated in Buea in Fako Sub-Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon. It is bound by Small Soppo in the North, Sasse in the South, Bokwoango in the Western flank and a waste land which extends to Bolifamba is on the East.

Education

Bishop Rogan
SASSE

Nearby sites (towns/villages/places)

  • Small Soppo
  • Bokwoango
  • Bolifamba