(Business in Cameroon) – Yesterday, Cameroon’s Public Works Minister, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, held talks with a team from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), led by operations chief Alagi Basiru Gaye. They discussed securing CFA179.469 billion to rebuild the Douala-Bafoussam road, a key 217.8 km route connecting Douala, the economic hub, to the West region’s capital.
Cameroon is set to contribute 10% of the total cost for land acquisitions, local road improvements, and key infrastructure projects. The Public Works Ministry shared plans to submit the project to the IsDB board in early 2025, with requests for early acquisitions already in progress. The reconstruction will cover five sections, including Bekoko-Loum (50.8 km), Loum-Nkongsamba (49.3 km), and Bafang-Bandja-Bandjoun (43.3 km).
This follows an IsDB team’s October 5-7 assessment of National Route No. 5, where the deteriorated road conditions—riddled with potholes—have led to frequent accidents. Traveling along this critical route has become a serious challenge.
Earlier, on August 8, 2024, Célestin Tawamba, president of Cameroon Business Group (Gecam), raised concerns in a letter to the Minister of Public Works. He stressed that the poor condition of the road is affecting businesses, particularly those that rely on transportation. “Delays and rising operational costs are hitting companies hard. Vehicle wear and tear, higher fuel consumption, and increased need for spare parts are pushing prices up, adding to inflation pressures,” he wrote.
President Paul Biya, in his New Year’s address on December 31, 2023, acknowledged the urgency of fixing the Douala-Bafoussam road and shared that steps were being taken to rehabilitate this crucial national artery.
