In a significant move to bolster its infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity, Cameroon is seeking financial assistance from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for a substantial upgrade of the Douala-Bafoussam road. This project is not just a road reconstruction; it’s a strategic investment in the nation’s economic backbone, promising to revitalize trade, ease transportation, and improve the lives of millions.
The Douala-Bafoussam road, a critical 217.8 km route, serves as a vital link between Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, and the West region’s capital, Bafoussam. The current state of the road, plagued by potholes and frequent accidents, presents a significant hurdle to the safety and efficiency of travel and transport. The proposed upgrade, valued at CFA179.469 billion, aims to address these challenges head-on, transforming the route into a safer and more reliable artery for commerce and commuters alike.
Cameroon’s commitment to this project is evident in its willingness to contribute 10% of the total cost, covering land acquisitions, local road improvements, and key infrastructure projects. This level of national investment underscores the importance of the road to the country’s development agenda and its potential to catalyze economic growth.
The reconstruction plan is comprehensive, targeting five sections of the road, including the stretches from Bekoko to Loum, Loum to Nkongsamba, and Bafang to Bandjoun. These improvements are not merely cosmetic; they are a response to the urgent calls from business leaders, such as Célestin Tawamba, president of the Cameroon Business Group (Gecam), who highlighted the detrimental impact of the road’s disrepair on businesses and the broader economy.
President Paul Biya, in his New Year’s address, acknowledged the urgency of the situation and the government’s resolve to rehabilitate this crucial national artery. The road upgrade is a testament to the government’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges and its vision for a more connected and prosperous Cameroon.
As the Public Works Ministry gears up to submit the project to the IsDB board in early 2025, with preliminary acquisition requests already underway, the anticipation for a transformed Douala-Bafoussam road grows. This project is a beacon of hope for improved safety, reduced travel times, and a boost to the economic vitality of the region.
The road upgrade is a part of a larger narrative of infrastructure development in Cameroon, with other projects like the Ngatt-Febadi-Likok road within the Batchenga-Ngaoundéré corridor also in the pipeline, set to enhance regional connectivity further.
The Douala-Bafoussam road upgrade is a bold step forward for Cameroon, signaling a brighter future where improved infrastructure paves the way for economic resilience and growth. It’s a journey of transformation, from the ground up, where every kilometer rebuilt is a stride towards a more connected and thriving nation.
Cameroon Pursues CFA 179 Billion Funding from Islamic Development Bank for Major Douala-Bafoussam Highway Enhancement
