The Cameroon Ministry of Public Works finds itself embroiled in controversy, drawing heavy criticism for what many perceive as an attempt to replicate the construction methods seen in Chad. The uproar stemmed from a seemingly innocuous Facebook post made on Monday, where the ministry shared images captioned, “Great start of April 2024 to all our followers.”
Included in the post was a screenshot from the Facebook page of Groupe AWLAD Abdelmouti, a company engaged in constructing a 37-kilometer urban road in N’Djamena, Chad. These images showcased the company’s earth road construction process, involving the preparation of the foundation layer for cement treatment. Notably, the depicted method appeared to rely heavily on manual labor, with workers placing cement bags at one-meter intervals and cutting them open for leveling – a technique widely criticized for its inefficiency and perceived inferiority in construction practices.
Since the unveiling of these images, the Cameroon Ministry of Public Works has faced a barrage of backlash from the public. “Just because they do it in N’Djamena doesn’t make it a norm,” remarked one disapproving follower, Alian Premier. Another questioned, “So our barometer is Chad now? Are we no longer comparing ourselves to France and the USA?”
Confusion also arose regarding the intention behind the ministry’s post – whether it was a satirical critique of Chad’s construction methods or an expression of admiration. “You liked images like these, but when we remind you that you have been constructing a road for ten years, it becomes a problem,” pointed out Amandine Asila, expressing frustration. In response, the ministry defended its approach, stating, “Time factors, like all others, are part of the life of a project.”
Njieugoue Armand echoed the sentiment of many, expressing dismay: “Chad is becoming a reference for you? Cameroon is really finished.” However, it’s worth noting that Cameroon has recently witnessed significant road construction and repair projects across various regions, a development that some attribute to the impending presidential elections in 2035.
