Cameroon: in poor condition, the road network deteriorated by almost 2% at the end of July
Cameroon’s Road Network: Challenges and Developments
Cameroon’s road network, a crucial component of the nation’s economic development, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Reports indicate that by the end of July 2024, the road network had deteriorated by almost 2%. This decline in road quality not only hampers the efficient movement of goods and people but also reflects broader infrastructural issues that need urgent attention.
The workshops on regional meetings chaired by the Minister of Public Works (Mintp) Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi in mid-July produced a copy whose score on the state of the road network in Cameroon is well below average. According to data consulted by EcoMatin, the road network in poor condition has worsened from 69.28% at the end of December 2023 to 71.07% on July 15, 2024, an increase of approximately 1.8% in the space of 7 months. On a total length of 121,873 km, this represents 86,529.83 km of road in poor condition. Also according to the Mintp, 17.76% of roads are in average condition compared to only 11.17% in good condition. In this range, 8.4% of roads are paved (10,234.94 km) compared to 111,638.06 km on dirt roads. Upon observation, none of the 10 regions of the country records 25% of roads in good condition, nor does it display 30% of the network in average condition. In the top 5, the linear road in poor condition is drawn by the Far North region (85.8%), followed by the South-West (80.52%), the North-West (79.55%) then the West and Adamaoua regions which record 74.42% and 70.91% respectively.
However, we learn from the same source, that 208.2 billion CFA francs were transferred to the Decentralized Territorial Communities (CTD) between 2018 -2024 (7 years) for road maintenance works with priority on the municipalities (195.3 billion CFA francs) and 12.9 billion CFA francs allocated to the regions. This makes an average of 21 billion CFA francs spent for the cause per year. In addition, of the 2,670 projects recorded during this period for the maintenance of 19,307 km of road, 1,884 projects have been completed, i.e. a completion rate of 70.5%. As for ongoing projects, they are lagging in that out of 157 road projects recorded for an amount of 1,470 billion CFA francs, the execution rate is 39%. The Minister of Public Works attributes this slow development to financial difficulties even though the Mintp is generally among the ministries that benefit from the largest budgets. “I must recognize that we are experiencing delays in executions due to the economic difficulties that we are experiencing. Service providers are not always paid on time. Consequently, performance is negatively affected,” he admitted to the national media.
759.2 billion CFA francs to rehabilitate 29 km of roads
As part of the import-substitution policy, the road factor is essential. However, several roads in large agricultural basins are landlocked. All of which impacts the transport of both people and goods. As proof, the Business Climate Survey Report in the Industrial Sector published by the Ministry of Economy in December 2023 revealed that 92% of business leaders surveyed considered the state of the road to be poor. To reverse this trend, the public authorities are considering the Import-Substitution Budget Implementation Report annexed to Cameroon’s initial finance law, counting on an envelope of 217.79 billion CFA francs to open up communal roads throughout the territory. In the same vein, the Ministry of Public Works; the architect of the State estimates the financial need to rehabilitate nearly 29 km of roads in 2025 at 759.2 billion CFA francs.
The deterioration can be attributed to several factors, including extreme weather conditions, heavy usage, and a lack of regular maintenance. The impact is particularly felt in rural areas where the road infrastructure is less developed, leading to isolation and difficulty in accessing markets, healthcare, and education.
However, the Cameroonian government has recognized these challenges and is taking steps to address them. As part of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030, plans are underway to significantly extend the road network by 2027. This ambitious project aims to add an extra 1,415km of asphalt surfaced roads, which would increase the country’s network of asphalt roads to 11,300km, compared with 9,885km in 2023.
Furthermore, the government has unveiled plans to pave nearly 2,000 km of roads between 2024 and 2026. This initiative is expected to open up industrial zones, facilitate access to production basins, and improve the movement of people. It represents a significant step forward, considering that most of the country’s road network was still dirt as of 2021.
The funding for these projects is substantial, with financial resources being a major focus of the state budget. For instance, the Ministry of Public Works is expected to receive CFA3,853.027 billion over the next three years, which averages CFA1,300 billion annually. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s road infrastructure.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The insecurity in certain regions, such as the Anglophone crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, poses a threat that could slow down the progress of the work. Approximately 44% of the Northwest’s road network could not be asphalted due to the crisis, highlighting the complex interplay between infrastructure development and national security.
In conclusion, while Cameroon faces significant hurdles in improving its road network, the steps being taken by the government offer a ray of hope. The planned expansion and maintenance of the road infrastructure are critical for the nation’s growth and will require continued focus and investment. It is a journey with many challenges, but one that holds the promise of connecting people, empowering communities, and driving economic progress.
