The Cameroonian government has launched urgent measures to repair the Douala-Bafoussam highway, a 218.9 km stretch that has been in a state of disrepair for years. On October 1, Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, inspected the road and prescribed immediate measures to ensure smooth traffic flow on National Highway No. 5. The minister's visit came ahead of a presidential decree signed on October 2, authorizing the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development to sign a sale-leaseback agreement with the Islamic Development Bank.
The agreement, worth 212.35 million euros (approximately 139.2 billion FCFA), was approved by the Islamic Development Bank in May 2025. The funds will be used to rehabilitate the highway, which has been a source of stress for motorists and residents for years. According to the government, the procedures for prequalifying companies for the project have already begun. The minister's inspection focused on sections of the road that require urgent attention, including the Bekoko-Loum, Loum-Pont du Nkam, and Pont du Nkam-Echangeur Bandjoun stretches.
During the inspection, the minister and his delegation identified areas of degradation and outlined methods for treatment. On the 82.2 km Bekoko-Loum section, China First Highway Engineering Company Cameroon (CFHEC) has been tasked with treating the degraded areas. The company will reconstruct the road surface, recycle materials, and create a foundation layer using ballast. The minister's delegation also identified areas that were not covered in the previous maintenance contract.
The government's efforts to repair the highway are aimed at reducing travel stress and improving the overall condition of the road. The Douala-Bafoussam highway is a critical transportation artery, connecting two major cities in Cameroon. The road's poor condition has been a source of frustration for motorists and residents, who have been calling for urgent repairs.
In addition to the rehabilitation project, the government has also taken steps to address the immediate needs of road users. The minister's inspection and the subsequent measures prescribed are aimed at providing temporary solutions to the road's condition. The government has assured motorists and residents that it is committed to ensuring smooth traffic flow on the highway.
The Islamic Development Bank's financing of the project is seen as a significant boost to the government's efforts to improve the country's infrastructure. The bank's involvement is expected to bring much-needed expertise and resources to the project. The government's efforts to rehabilitate the highway are part of a broader strategy to improve the country's transportation network.
The rehabilitation project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The government's commitment to addressing the road's condition is seen as a positive step towards improving the country's infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has launched urgent measures to repair the Douala-Bafoussam highway.
- The project is being financed by the Islamic Development Bank to the tune of 212.35 million euros.
- The rehabilitation project is expected to improve the condition of the highway and promote economic growth in the region.
