As of now, nothing has been mentioned about the Tiko Airport project since August, when a delegation from the Prime Minister’s office visited.
Last year, 255 hectares of land were earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Tiko Airport. However, it took the questioning from Senator Fonderson of Fako before the PM could send an inspection team.
The airport in Tiko Southwest is just one of the projects that the government isn’t saying anything about. Another is the Limbe deep seaport. For decades now, it has not been constructed. The government has made promises but has fulfilled none.
Tiko Airport, Limbe Seaport, Pride of Anglophones
These are crucial projects for Anglophones in Cameroon. These places were operational during the federal system of government. Aside from that, they generated income for the people of West Cameroon and the nation at large.
Tiko Airport used to receive commercials nationally and internationally. Even the whaf, which is Tiko and now part of Limbe Seaport, was responsible for shipment.
The government has gradually transformed it for military operations.
In Limbe, ships were anchored at Down Beach. Currently, a symbol of a port has been consumed by water. Only tiny boats are being received now in Limbe and Indinau.
Why is the Government Neglecting these Projects?
According to reports, the Cameroon government spends huge sums to fix the Douala seaport yearly. That is because it is not deep, and as such, sand is being dug. If not, it can’t receive certain ships.
But Limbe is naturally fit and can receive big ships. The government has shown interest there. There are even reports that the project to construct Limbe Seaport was diverted to Kribi.
Year in and year out, the government makes promises, and none has been fulfilled. Now, the government has earmarked 400 billion FCFA for the constitution of the port in 2026.
This will happen after the 2025 presidential elections. It sounds more like a campaign promise. And if the Southwest does not vote for the current regime, no port.
But this is the same promise that has been made before previous elections. What will change this time?