The awaited rehabilitation of Tiko Airport was back in the spotlight on Thursday, August 1, as the Strategic Supervision and Monitoring Committee of the Realization of Major Airport Projects made a visit to evaluate the project’s progress.
This visit comes one year after the project was announced to start immediately, but prolonged silence from the government left the local population and elites in Fako anxious and skeptical.
The committee’s mission, led by project head Engineer Frédéric Mboto Édimo, who is also the Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, was to assess the current state of the project and identify any preconditions that need to be met for effective implementation.
The visit included high-profile officials such as the CEO of Cameroon Airline Corporation (Camairco) and heads from several key Ministries, including Transport, Environment, Public Works, MINDCAF, and Finance.
During the visit, the officials evaluated the project’s requirements and laid out solutions to expedite the process.
Engineer Édimo emphasized the importance of the project, noting that all necessary preconditions have been identified and that the path to commencement is now clearer.
The Tiko Airport rehabilitation project was announced by President Paul Biya during his New Year speech on December 31, 2022.
The promise of immediate action sparked hope among the residents of Tiko and Fako Division in general.
However, the lack of subsequent communication and progress led to growing concerns and frustrations.
Last month, Senator for Fako, Hon. Papinatu Fonderson, expressed these concerns in Parliament, accusing the government of neglecting certain regions in favor of others.
The recent visit by the committee has rekindled hope among the residents, with many now looking forward to tangible progress.
Based on decisions made by the project’s committee last year, the Tiko Airport will be constructed at Misselele, along the Tiko-Doauala road.
The site hosting the current Tiko Airport was deemed too small to accommodate the infrastructure that the government intends to put in place.
Many are hoping that the project doesn’t end up like the promised Limbe Deep Seaport, which has become like an unfulfilled dream.
