By Tata Mbunwe
Metal fabricator and welder, Wirngo Eric Jaidzeka, has once again captivated Cameroonians with his latest creation – a mini truck designed for transporting goods on rough roads.
Jaidzeka, who is based in Bonaberi, Douala, is celebrated for his innovative metal productions, which include motorcycles, tricycles, agricultural machinery, concrete mixers, and more.
The newly unveiled mini truck is constructed from solid iron and metal sheets, powered by a Suzuki truck engine, and features a complete four-wheel suspension system.
Jaidzeka told MMI it took his team two months of dedicated work to realize this project, although the timeline was extended due to simultaneous manufacturing of other items.
Parts for the vehicle, including the engine and electrical system, and the windscreen were sourced locally from shops in Douala.
Meanwhile he manufactured the metal system and coupled the parts to form the unique truck design.
The mini truck, priced at FCFA 3.5 million, was purposefully built for a cocoa farmer in Kumba who has encountered other products made by Jaidzeka.
The truck is built to navigate rough roads and will enable the user to transport produce from the farm to the market with ease.
“It can be used for the transportation of goods from the city to the village and from bush farms to town,” Jaidzeka explained.
The farmer in Kumba was referred to Jaidzeka by another satisfied user of his previous innovations.
Jaidzeka’s reputation for quality and durability has led to a growing market fueled by word-of-mouth recommendations from previous clients.
“Every other invention I’ve made previously are doing amazing, that’s why the market is growing because of recommendations from previous clients,” he told MMI.
Originally from the crisis-hit town of Kumbo in the North West, Jaidzeka migrated to Douala but has not ceased his metal fabrications.
While there are thousands of metal manufacturers in the country, Jaidzeka stands out by venturing beyond conventional metal products like doors and windows, diving into industrial and mechanical welding.
Last year, he unveiled an emergency motorbike ambulance capable of navigating through traffic during emergencies.
Despite the influx of Chinese and Japanese machinery in the country, Jaidzeka emphasizes carving his own niche by producing solutions tailored to local realities.
“My productions last longer than anyone you can see in the market because I understand our environment and am not out to compete with any other company,” he asserted.
“My mission is to give our people something different that can last and help boost our economy.”
Operating at a small scale, Jaidzeka relies on his personal finances and goodwill donations to run his factory.
He says his dedication to quality and local relevance has garnered positive feedback from users, who attest to the durability of his products compared to imported alternatives.
“Every other tricycle in the market lasts a maximum of two years… but mine I use high-quality materials for the chassis and the cabin even though we all use the same engine, tires, etc.,” Jaidzeka explained.
With each innovation, Eric Jaidzeka is not only contributing to local economic growth but also providing practical solutions that enhance the lives of Cameroonians while establishing his reputation as a pioneer in the field of metalworking.
