(Business in Cameroon) – The Douala Autonomous Port (PAD) began paying compensation on July 3–4, 2025, to people affected by the planned 500-hectare industrial zone along the Dibamba River, at Missolè I, near Douala. At a ceremony in Edea’s prefecture, PAD distributed over CFA1.3 billion to 129 affected individuals: 127 on public land and two on private land, under a decree signed March 24 by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute.
However, many beneficiaries say the sums fall far short of what they invested in their properties. Alain Girès Yamtchie, who owns a modern house on 1,200 square meters, received CFA6.5 million. He called the amount “meager” given his investment. “I spent my life building this house on land I bought at CFA5,000 per square meter five years ago. I asked for a revaluation but got nothing,” he said.
Another recipient, who requested anonymity, received only CFA27,850 for crops on 500 square meters of land. Several others complain their names are missing from the beneficiaries’ list, even though officials identified their properties and they filed appeals with the Commission for the Identification and Evaluation of Properties, led by Yvan Cyrille Abondo, Prefect of Sanaga-Maritime.
A commission member said the government based compensation on a price list that determines the value of land, crops, buildings, and other improvements. “The government uses its price list, which can explain why amounts differ from market value,” said Sylvestre Mezatio, Advisor No. 7 at PAD.
But victims say officials never disclosed the price list, raising fears of unfair expropriation. They have been urged to submit appeals with proof of ownership to the commission. PAD said it already sent a supplementary report with claims and evidence to the Prime Minister in March, seeking approval for an additional compensation decree.
The payment of initial compensation paves the way for construction of the industrial zone, which is led by Indian firm Arise IIP in a public-private partnership. The project represents a total investment of CFA230 billion.
This article was initially published in French by Frédéric Nonos
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
