The bumpy and slippery nature of the Bamenda-Babadjou road has caused anger on both the social and mainstream media in Cameroon.
Many have been asking themselves why a road that had already been earmarked for construction is still in such deplorable condition more than two years after the contract was awarded.
However, the Minister of public works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi appears to have answers to the worries of road users.
Speaking on Cameroon Calling on CRTV, the minister revealed that over 37 Billion francs had been disbursed for the construction of the Bamenda- Babajou road.
He said insecurity was the main cause of the delay in completing the project.
“The Bamenda-Babadjou road project was launched in 2017 and was meant to be completed 24 months later but was unfortunately delayed due to the insecurity concerns of the North West Region,” said the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djuomessi.
“The road construction works hit a brick wall when the security personnel at the site were attacked and work equipment burnt down by some unknown persons… The contractor had even asked for the contract to be canceled for fear of what might happen should he continue” the minister revealed.
He also spoke about the delay in the construction of the Kumba-Ekondo Titi road which he equally says was delayed because the workers were threatened and some killed.
“… The Kumba-Ekondo Titi road was particularly included as one of the projects in the president’s emergency plan. The contract was awarded to a Tunisian company but the company suspended work when one of their workers was killed by separatist fighter” the minister complained.
“When people are working and they get attacked and their equipment destroyed, they will obviously escape” he mentioned. The minister of Public Works, however, has reassured that the ministry will work hand in glove with the forces of law and order to provide adequate security for these various projects to be completed as he says most of the projects have merely been suspended and not canceled as many may presume
“… These projects however have simply just been suspended and not canceled. For all roads under construction, non will be abandoned. They will all be completed” he reassured. It is therefore hoped that it will not only be words but actions as commuters plying the Babadjou-Bamenda road are tired of facing similar challenge year in, year out.
