Three years after construction began—despite each of the nine metal bridges initially scheduled to be completed within an average timeframe of 10 months—the overall execution rate stands at just 45%. According to data from the Ministry of Public Works reviewed by Business in Cameroon, only two bridges have been completed: a 51-meter structure over the Mayo Taram in the Adamawa region, and a 39-meter bridge over the Mama River in the East region.
Beyond these two completed structures, only the Ngoum bridge, also in the East region, shows a high level of progress, at 74%. All other sites remain below the 50% mark: Bangue (31%), Mboro (28%), Nlobo (15%), Didim (28%), and Teede (26%). The Mvila bridge in the South region records the lowest execution rate, at just 3% since works started in August 2023.
Delays blamed on unpaid bills and slow execution
To explain the poor performance, officials at the Ministry of Public Works point to unpaid interim payment certificates related to construction works, service providers, and supervision missions. Outstanding payments are estimated at CFA1.5 billion, including CFA1.2 billion owed to construction companies and CFA237 million for supervision services. Contractors are also accused of slow execution on several sites.
Launched in 2019 with financial support from the United States, the ACROW project initially covered 55 metal bridges. However, it was suspended a few months later due to the expiration of the credit utilization period. Relaunched in 2023, the program was scaled back to nine bridges from the original 55, and its financing now relies on
Ludovic Amara
