Construction Giants Levantina Ingeniera and Tecopy-Lic Secure Monumental Bridge Contract Worth 162.8 Billion CFA Francs, Marking a Major Development Milestone The construction sector in Cameroon is set to witness a significant boost with the awarding of a substantial contract for the construction of the second bridge over the Bénoué. The contract, valued at 162.8 billion CFA francs, has been secured by the consortium of Levantina Ingeniera and Tecopy-Lic. This project is a clear indicator of the country’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and facilitating economic growth.
construction of the 2nd bridge over the Bénoué
The Bénoué Bridge is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing transportation and trade within the region. By providing an additional crossing over the river, the bridge will alleviate traffic congestion, shorten travel times, and offer a more reliable route for the transportation of goods and people. This is particularly important for a country like Cameroon, where the efficient movement of agricultural products and other goods is essential for both local markets and international trade.
The construction of the bridge is not just about the physical structure; it’s about the opportunities it will create. It is anticipated to be employed during its construction phase, which will be a welcome boost to the local economy. Moreover, the improved infrastructure will attract investors and businesses, further stimulating economic activity.
The choice of Levantina Ingeniera and Tecopy-Lic, firms with a track record of successful infrastructure projects, suggests a promising outcome for the Bénoué bridge. Their expertise in large-scale construction ensures that the project will be managed with the highest standards of engineering and safety.
As Cameroon continues to invest in its infrastructure, the second bridge over the Bénoué stands as a testament to the nation’s forward-thinking approach. It is a project that not only addresses the immediate needs of transportation but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic development in the years to come. The bridge is more than a connection between two points; it is a catalyst for transformation, symbolizing progress and the promise of a brighter future for Cameroon.
The duration of construction projects
is a critical aspect that not only affects planning and budgeting but also has a significant impact on the local economy and daily life. For the construction of the second bridge over the Bénoué, the timeline is a key factor that stakeholders and the public would be keenly interested in.
While specific details regarding the expected completion time for the second bridge over the Bénoué in Cameroon are not readily available, we can look at similar bridge construction projects to gain insights into potential timelines. For instance, the Second Niger Bridge project in Nigeria, a significant undertaking in a comparable context, was projected to be completed within a certain timeframe if all planned activities progressed as scheduled.
Drawing parallels from such projects, it’s reasonable to infer that the construction of the second bridge over the Bénoué would also be a multi-year endeavour. These large-scale infrastructure projects typically involve complex engineering challenges, extensive planning, and coordination among various stakeholders, which contribute to the overall time required for completion.
The construction phase would likely include numerous activities such as the design and engineering work, procurement of materials, actual construction work, and quality assurance processes. Additionally, factors like weather conditions, logistical challenges, and the need for environmental and social impact assessments could influence the timeline.
The construction consortium needs to provide regular updates on the progress and any changes to the expected completion date. This transparency allows for better planning by the government, businesses, and the community, ensuring that the economic and social benefits of the project are realized as soon as possible.
In Cameroon, the group of Spanish companies Levantina Ingeniera Y Construction SL and Tecopy-Lic won the contract for the construction of the second bridge over the Bénoué, for an amount of 162.8 billion CFA francs (approximately 247 million euros ). To this end, the government through the Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi signed a memorandum of understanding on May 16 with the agent of the Levantina Ingeniera Y Constroccion SL and Tecopy-Lic Group, Juan José Guijarbo Blasco and in the presence of the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Cameroon. According to the public authorities, “this MOU (Memorandum of understanding) represents an important step in the maturation process of the project. The State of Cameroon thus undertakes to finance jointly with Deutsche Bank (German bank), the construction in the department of Bénoué, of a second bridge and its accesses on the Bénoué river in Garoua.
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Indeed, according to the authorities, the project to build a second bridge over the Bénoué in the Northern region has two main objectives. First, relieve congestion in the town of Garoua by making road traffic more fluid. Finally, improve connectivity between Cameroon and Chad. In detail, it will involve building a concrete structure which will extend over a length of 550 meters. The work will have 02 edge spans of 2×87.5m and 03 interior spans of 3x125m. A double deck of 2×14.50m width is also planned carrying a 2×3 lane carriageway of 3.50m two 2m wide sidewalks and two 2m cycle paths. In addition to the main structure, access roads are planned, namely two unidirectional carriageways of 2×2 lanes extendable from the inside to 2×3 lanes of 3.5m wide each. “These road works will fall into phase I, while phase II will include the construction of a bypass of the town of Garoua. To implement phase I, a budget of 162,848,375,963 CFA francs excluding VAT has been announced for the work,” insisted a source close to the matter.
However, in its entirety, the project provides for works made up of a single lot starting from kilometre point (PK) 00+000 to PK 11+700 distributed as follows: a bridge over the Bénoué in prestressed concrete of a length 550m with 2×3 lanes of roadway; a 2×2 lane road extendable into 2×3 lanes towards the axis (11,700 km) including 2 roundabouts, 2 overpasses, 3 underpasses; connection to the existing Garoua ring road in 2×3 lanes (2.5 km). Until now, the overall cost of the work for the two phases has not been indicated by the public authorities, but we still remember that in 2022, the Northern Regional Council, in charge of this project concerning the public administrations estimated it at 270 billion CFA francs.
Administrative prerequisites
It should still be noted that the actual start of construction work on this bridge is not scheduled for the coming days. According to the assurances of the representative of the group of companies awarded this contract, “we will be able to build this bridge in three years. In the coming days, we will work to finalize all the administrative prerequisites of the project to effectively start the work at the end of 2025,” said Juan José Guijarbo Blasco.
Cameroon’s infrastructure landscape
is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with several major projects underway that promise to significantly enhance the nation’s economic prospects. These projects span various sectors, including transportation, energy, and sports facilities, reflecting a comprehensive approach to development.
One of the key projects is the Lom Pangar Dam scheme, which is crucial for optimizing the production of existing power stations and facilitating the construction of additional hydroelectric dams on the Sanaga River. With 95% of Cameroon’s power generated through hydropower, yet more than half of the population lacks access to electricity, this project is a vital step towards energy security and sustainability.
The country is also focusing on the exploitation of natural resources, such as the Mobilong Diamond Field. This initiative marks Cameroon’s entry into industrial diamond mining, with the government holding a joint stake in the venture. The project is expected to diversify the nation’s oil-dependent economy and has secured significant funding for its development.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a pivotal role in Cameroon’s infrastructural growth, aligning with the Vision Cameroon 2035 development plan. This plan aims to achieve economic prosperity and universal access to quality social services. Through PPPs, the government has detailed 21 projects in transport, urban development, energy, and the agro-food industry, with contracts already awarded for six of these initiatives.
In the realm of sports, the Olembe Sports Complex in Yaounde is a standout project. It includes the construction of the Paul Biya Stadium, capable of seating 60,000 spectators, alongside various other sports and hospitality facilities. This complex is set to become a central hub for sporting events and community activities.
Moreover, the transportation sector is witnessing significant investments, such as the Limbe-Douala-Edea-Yaounde Hydrocarbon Pipeline Project. This 355 km-long pipeline will enhance the distribution of hydrocarbons across key regions, boosting the energy sector’s efficiency.
Other notable projects include the Belabo Ngaoundere railway rehabilitation, the Mbalam Kribi port railway, the Cameroon Chad railway, and the Douala Yaoundé railway rehabilitation. These projects are not only expected to improve domestic connectivity but also strengthen regional trade links.
The Lumbe deep-sea port and the Ntem River bridge are additional infrastructural undertakings that will facilitate maritime trade and cross-border transportation, further integrating Cameroon into global trade networks.
These ambitious projects reflect Cameroon’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and positioning itself as a central player in the Central African region’s development. With these initiatives, Cameroon is paving the way for a future of economic resilience and prosperity.
