Cameroon Minister Evaluates Road Projects in Centre and South Regions

On April 23, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi visited ongoing road infrastructure projects in Cameroon's Centre and South regions. The goal was to evaluate the work and encourage project teams to meet their targets. The first stop was the national road N°9, a 115km stretch connecting the Centre and South regions, specifically the Mbalmayo-Sangmélima section.

The minister inspected the 39.5km lot 1, carrefour Sangmélima-Nkolaya III, where recycling, concrete ditch construction, and mechanized clearing operations are underway. However, the progress is unsatisfactory, with only 27% completion, according to Paul Sime, director of operations for the company responsible. The delay in laboratory testing for the right formulation to support the road structure and difficulties in getting started are cited as reasons for the slow pace.

The minister ordered weekly evaluations and accelerated activities on site. Moving to lot 2, which connects Nkolaya III in the Centre region to Nkout II in the South, the company has made visible progress, with 39.55% completion. The work involves recycling the road surface. Lot 3 has seen significant progress, with 79.91% completion, and the bitumen layer already laid, making traffic easier.

The minister also evaluated the bitumen work on the 47km Kpwe-Meyomakot section of communal roads. However, the progress is slow due to limited human resources, equipment, and low production of inputs. A formal notice has been served to the company, with the first evaluation set for May 27.

The projects aim to improve road connectivity in the Centre and South regions. The minister's visit highlights the challenges faced in implementing these projects, including delays and inadequate resources. The government emphasizes the need for timely completion of these infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and development.

The Centre and South regions are crucial for Cameroon's economic development, with many rural areas relying on improved road networks for access to markets and services. The government's investment in road infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

The minister's assessment of the projects demonstrates the government's commitment to monitoring progress and ensuring that contractors meet their obligations. The projects will continue to be evaluated, and necessary measures will be taken to ensure their timely completion.

Key points

• The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of road infrastructure projects in the Centre and South regions.
• The projects aim to improve road connectivity and boost economic growth in the regions.
• The government emphasizes the need for timely completion of the projects to achieve their objectives.