The long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road is set to commence, following two high-level meetings aimed at finalizing operational plans.
Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute chaired the March cabinet meeting in Yaoundé, where he reaffirmed the project as a national priority.
Meanwhile, a strategic session held in Tiko, led by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Viang Mekala Engelbert, focused on mobilizing local support and ensuring smooth execution.
At the cabinet meeting on March 5, 2025, in Yaoundé’s Star Building, Prime Minister Dion Ngute underscored the project’s alignment with President Paul Biya’s infrastructure agenda, as outlined in the presidential circular of October 23, 2024.
The Prime Minister called for strict adherence to these directives and emphasized that road infrastructure remains crucial for national development and regional integration.
In a follow-up meeting in Tiko, SDO Viang Mekala Engelbert convened administrative, local, and traditional leaders to discuss the practical aspects of the road rehabilitation.
The meeting, held at the Tiko Council Conference Hall, also involved representatives from the contracting firm, Ati Bonisa, and members of the local community.
Authorities Rally Community Support
Tiko Mayor, HRH Dr. Peter Ikome Mesoso III, urged residents to support the project, emphasizing its long-term benefits for the region’s socioeconomic development.
The SDO reassured stakeholders that the project was a direct response to President Biya’s end-of-year address, which highlighted the urgent need to address the deteriorating road conditions.
According to Enow Benjamin, a representative of Ati Bonisa, the rehabilitation will transform the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor into a modern, double-lane highway, with certain sections widening to 18 meters. The project will involve constructing a flyover at Mutengene to ease traffic.
Road Project’s Details
The 113-kilometer project covers the main Bekoko-Idenau stretch (97 km), as well as additional segments, including Mutengene to Mile 17 (10 km) and Tiko Roundabout to the Tiko Wharf (4.5 km).
The government has secured a FCFA 121 billion budget through foreign funding, and this will ensure that work can begin without financial bottlenecks.
Beyond improving transportation however, the upgraded road will enhance trade, boost tourism, and create job opportunities.
Officials also emphasized that contractors would prioritize hiring local youths, providing them with skills in construction and road maintenance.
This aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote economic resilience and workforce development.
Compensation to Property Owners
To mitigate the impact of construction, the government has established a special commission to assess properties along the route and ensure fair compensation for affected residents.
The SDO further assured that even property owners without formal land titles would be considered, provided they have legitimate claims. He encouraged full cooperation with evaluators to facilitate a transparent compensation process.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that the evaluation process is transparent and that construction adheres to established quality standards.
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