Douala Mayor, Roger Mbassa Ndine has pledged to transform Douala into a more aesthetically pleasing city by the end of 2024, focusing on infrastructural improvements and other enhancements.
During a recent meeting with his team, the mayor outlined his vision for beautifying the city by introducing additional streetlights as well as initiating the construction and rehabilitation of key roads. The mayor unveiled a budget of 64 billion FCFA for these projects, emphasising the judicious utilisation of funds for the community’s benefit.
Among the primary projects, the roads of Kotto, Mbangue, and Lendi are set to undergo significant transformations in the coming months.
“We aim to elevate Douala to a distinguished city, and, together with my team, we will continue with the unfinished projects from the previous year,” stated Mayor Mbassa Ndine.
Douala Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine
He further confirmed, “The roads of Kotto, Logbessou, Mbangue, and Lendi will undergo substantial construction in the upcoming months. Work has already commenced on the roads of Mbonandale, Ndokotti, and Logbaba, slated for completion before the year’s end.”
The mayor attributed the financial backing for these projects to assistance from the World Bank, emphasising the absence of excuses for not fulfilling the commitments.
The mayor’s announcement has garnered widespread approval, especially from residents in areas where roads are nearly non-existent due to their severely degraded condition, such as the roads of Bepanda, Makepe Missoke, Ndobong, and others.
“If the mayor delivers on his promises, it would be remarkable because Douala currently lacks proper roads. The deterioration of all roads is a major contributor to traffic issues in Douala. Fixing these pothole-ridden roads would be fantastic,” commented Marcel, a motorcycle rider.
While acknowledging the mayor’s ambitious projects, some residents expressed cautious optimism about their implementation.
“The mayor’s projects sound promising. However, the crucial question is: will he follow through? We desperately need improved road infrastructure and better lighting in Douala. If he achieves his goals, it will benefit us all,” remarked a resident.
Douala’s mayor, Mbassa Ndine, is in his third year in office, and criticisms of the city’s roads and lighting have marred his administration. These issues have heightened insecurity by making the city’s dark streets a haven for criminals.
