For Aïcha, a 26-year-old pregnant housewife in Bamenda, mornings had become a test of endurance. At seven months pregnant, she often woke early to fan damp wood just to prepare breakfast.
“Now that it’s the wet season, wood is always wet and produces a lot of smoke,” she said. “With my pregnancy, I can’t keep up. When I don’t eat early, I feel dizzy the whole day. I had stopped using gas because it’s expensive and often unavailable.”
Her situation reflects the struggles of many households in Bamenda and the surrounding areas, where a persistent liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage forced families back to traditional cooking methods.
High LPG Prices and Delivery Challenges
Juliet, a resident of Banshie, echoed the hardship. With no gas depot nearby, she spends around 12,500 CFA francs monthly to get a gas cylinder delivered.
“Gas in town is sold at 8,500 francs. I have to pay 4,000 francs for a bike to bring it here,” she explained. “That’s if there’s gas available at all.”
Many families, like that of Ma Judith, have had to send their children to school on empty stomachs due to gas scarcity.
“We’ve spent mornings searching for gas with no luck,” said Ma Judith, a mother of three. “Sometimes my kids go to school without eating. It’s painful.”
At its worst, the price of a 12.5kg gas cylinder skyrocketed to 15,000 CFA francs, leaving both families and delivery agents frustrated.
“There were weeks I rode across town looking for gas for my clients,” a delivery agent shared. “All the stations were dry. It was discouraging.”
With a storage capacity of 400 cubic meters and the ability to bottle 600 cylinders per hour, the plant is expected to ease shortages and stabilize LPG prices across the region.
“This plant will reduce the cost of gas in this region, create 1,000 new jobs, and improve living standards,” declared Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Gaston Eloundou Essomba. “We are bringing energy closer to the people.”
The facility includes safety features, emergency systems, and well-ventilated workspaces, aiming to promote both operational excellence and worker welfare.
Creating Jobs and Technical Opportunities for Youth
For newly hired technicians, the plant offers more than a pay cheque—it provides a long-term career path.
“We hope gas will now be sold at 5,000 francs,” said one recruit. “But more than that, I now have a job and a future.”
Authorities are using the plant’s launch to encourage youths across the North West Region to consider careers in technical and engineering fields.
“Our young people must rethink their study options,” said Awunti Ghejung, Commissioner of Economic Development at the Northwest Regional Assembly. “This plant creates an ecosystem of opportunity—from technical jobs to logistics and distribution.”
Environmental Benefits and Concerns
The Bamenda LPG Plant is also expected to relieve pressure on the environment. With increased access to gas, families can reduce dependence on firewood, giving overharvested forests a chance to regenerate.
“I’ll be switching back to LPG now,” said Aïcha, smiling. “It will not only be cheaper, but finally available.”
Still, environmental experts caution that while LPG is cleaner than biomass, it remains a fossil fuel.
“We must not trade one environmental problem for another,” warned a local civil society activist. “We need regular environmental assessments, waste management plans, and community consultations.”
Road Access and Infrastructure Challenges Remain
Despite the promise, not all issues have been resolved. The road leading to the new gas plant is riddled with potholes and becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season.
“They built a beautiful plant, but the road is a disaster,” an elderly resident noted. “How will trucks deliver gas when it rains?”
Government officials have assured residents that road rehabilitation is included in the next phase of development. Civic education campaigns are also underway to help communities protect the new facility.
A Catalyst for Regional Development
As the first full-scale gas plant in Bamenda, this modern facility represents more than just improved energy access—it’s a symbol of regional renewal.
“It’s a catalyst for change,” said Okie Johnson Ndoh, Director General of the National Hydrocarbons Prizes Stabilisation Fund. “One that promises to improve lives, protect forests, and ignite economic growth in a region that has long waited for such a spark.”
