Cameroon Minister Inspects Ngaoundéré-Tignère Road Construction

The Minister of Public Works in Cameroon, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, conducted an inspection of the Ngaoundéré-Tignère road construction project on June 16, 2022. The project, which spans 135 kilometers, aims to improve the country's infrastructure. During the inspection, the Minister met with the director of the China State Construction Engineering Corp (Cscec), the company responsible for the project. However, communication issues arose as the Chinese director did not speak French or English.

The Minister emphasized the importance of effective communication among engineers, stating that they should be able to communicate without intermediaries. He was accompanied by the Secretary of State for Roads, Armand Ndjodom. The inspection revealed that the project is behind schedule, with 33 months having passed out of the initial 36-month timeline. The current rate of completion stands at 22.9%. The Cscec has requested additional time to complete the project.

The Ngaoundéré-Paro section of the road, which is 70 kilometers long, is part of the project. The Minister observed various aspects of the construction, including excavation, sanitation, drainage, and the laying of a foundation layer. A 11-kilometer foundation layer and a 1.8-kilometer base layer have been completed so far. The project is financed by the Public Investment Budget to the tune of 31.8 billion.

The Cscec cited several reasons for the delays, including the non-release of land at the intersection of national roads 14 and 1, heavy rainfall, and unpaid bills. The Minister made multiple stops along the road to assess the situation. The project is part of the government's three-year emergency plan to accelerate growth.

The road construction project is crucial for Cameroon's infrastructure development. The Minister's inspection highlights the government's commitment to monitoring the project's progress. The project's completion will improve transportation and connectivity in the region.

The Cameroon Tribune reports that the project has faced several challenges, including delays and communication issues. The Minister's visit aimed to address these issues and ensure the project's timely completion. The government's investment in the project demonstrates its efforts to boost economic growth.

The Ngaoundéré-Tignère road construction project is a significant undertaking for Cameroon. The Minister's inspection and comments underscore the importance of effective communication and timely completion. The project's progress will be closely monitored to ensure its successful completion.

Key points

• The project's current rate of completion stands at 22.9% with 33 months having passed out of the initial 36-month timeline.