(Business in Cameroon) – On October 2, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi officially launched the design and construction of Phase 2 of the Yaoundé-Douala highway. This phase will cover 141.1 kilometers, linking Bibodi to Douala. Initially, the planned length was 136 kilometers. According to the Ministry of Transport’s communication services, this progress reflects the recent visit of President Paul Biya, during which the highway was a key topic in discussions between Cameroonian and Chinese officials.
The Yaoundé-Douala highway has been a major project in talks between Cameroon and China. During the 4th Forum on Sino-African Cooperation (Focac), held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, President Biya urged for increased Chinese investment in Cameroon’s road infrastructure. He mentioned the imminent launch of second-generation structural projects, including Phase 2 of the Yaoundé-Douala highway, in his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This phase aims to improve connectivity between Cameroon’s two major cities, Yaoundé and Douala, and facilitate trade within Central Africa. The work will strengthen the Douala-N’Djamena, Douala-Bangui, and Douala-Brazzaville corridors, enhancing transport and transit. The project also seeks to support the development of the localities along this route.
Minister Nganou Djoumessi noted that the partnership with China First Highway Engineering Corporation (Cfhec) stems from the strong ties between Cameroon and China, as well as the quality of work done by the company in the first phase of the project (60 km). The decision to select Cfhec was made by the presidency, concluding a selection process that began in March 2020 to identify firms to help the government with financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Phase 2. In essence, the government opted for a direct contract with the subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
During his speech, Nganou Djoumessi assured residents about compensation related to the project, which often causes delays in construction. He urged the community to be civic-minded and not hinder progress. An assessment report of the affected properties has been completed, making it easier to implement the project.
The total estimated cost for Phase 2 is nearly CFA880 billion. The construction will follow a unit price contract, allowing the company to be paid based on the work completed, as stated by the ministry. The project is divided into five sections: Bibodi-Bodmon (39.5 km), Bodmon-Edéa East (34 km), Edéa East-Edéa West (30 km), Edéa West-Pitti Station (18 km), and Pitti Station-Massoumbou (19.5 km). The work is expected to be finished within 36 months, provided all conditions are met. It is important to note that after four amendments, the first phase of the highway, which started in October 2014, took more than eight years to complete and cost nearly CFA350 billion, compared to an initial contract of CFA284 billion.
