Cameroon to invest in development of Ekok corridor
The government of Cameroon has announced it has secured funding totalling 16.4 billion FCFA to construct socio-economic infrastructure along the Cameroon-Nigeria corridor around Ekok in the South West Region.
The projects are set to benefit residents living along the Cross River Bridge. Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi revealed that the contract with the implementing company has been signed, and preliminary steps are underway to make the funds available and mobilise the control mission.
While addressing a representative of the African Development Bank, Minister Nganou Njoumessi confirmed that the 16.4 billion FCFA grant from the European Union will be used to implement several key development projects.
In addition to the Cross River Bridge that was previously constructed, several other infrastructure projects will be developed along the Cameroonian side of the corridor.
“Some of these infrastructure projects are as follows: the construction of a roundabout of about 700 m² in Bachuo Akagbe (intersection between the Kumba–Mamfe and Bamenda–Mamfe roads), including 200 m² of parking lots for vehicles; asphalting of 5 km of road with bituminous concrete in the city of Ekok; construction of T1, T2, and T3 types of housing (three two-storey buildings) for on-call staff at the Mfum Single Border Checkpoint; rehabilitation of the Ekok Health Centre; rehabilitation of classrooms with fences and latrines in Ekok; construction of a road park, market sheds, and two warehouses in Ekok; supply and installation of public lighting in Ekok; as well as the construction of drinking water supply systems in Ekok,” the minister said.
He emphasised that alongside the socio-economic developments, the Cross River Bridge itself represents a model of integrated development, blending economic progress with environmental sustainability.
“The results obtained so far are bearing the promise of the prospects. The developments are geared towards improving the living conditions of local residents and guaranteeing them a better future while preserving their ecosystem,” he added.
In 2022, Cameroon and Nigeria jointly inaugurated the newly constructed border bridge between Mfum and Ekok to promote regional connectivity and economic integration. The ongoing partnership with the European Union aims to further develop the agro-pastoral potential of the area and increase income opportunities for the local population.
Cameroon and Nigeria are part of different economic blocs—ECCAS and ECOWAS, respectively. Strengthening connectivity within and between these regions is also seen as a way to enhance Africa’s economic ties with Europe.
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