French Minister To Inaugurate Wouri Bridge In Douala

Cameroonian authorities have announced that, a French Minister will inaugurate Wouri Bridge which has reached completion phase, six years after kick off.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs will tomorrow Thursday October 24, 2019 inaugurate the second bridge over river Wouri in Douala, Cameroon. The government of France offered a loan of $175 million to Cameroon to build a second bridge over the Wouri while the government of Cameroon was expected to provide about $67 million for the completion of the new bridge.

The Wouri River in the economic capital city, Douala – called the “Gateway into Central Africa, is expected to reduce congestion on the first bridge constructed 60 years ago by France, the former colonial ruler of Cameroon.

Picture of the Wouri bridge (picture: 237online.com)

But it came under criticisms after water overflowed the banks of the river and flooded the bridge. It occured in the heart of the rainy season, raising concerns over the quality of work done.

The bridge today carries more than 45,000 vehicles a day, some transporting goods from Douala’s deep seaport, to landlocked countries like Chad and the Central African Republic.

While laying foundation stone for thr project’s kick off I’m 2013, the head of state, Paul Biya said “it will be one of the most beautiful things in the world”.