Five-Year Milestone: Ngaoundéré-Paro Axis Construction by Chinese Firm Hits 30%
The Ngaoundéré-Paro Axis: Progress and Prospects
The construction of the Ngaoundéré-Paro axis, a pivotal infrastructure project in Cameroon, has been a subject of national interest since its inception. Entrusted to the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), the project has reached a 30% completion mark five years after commencement. This 70 km stretch is not just a road; it’s a beacon of economic hope and regional connectivity.
The project’s significance cannot be overstated. It promises to bolster economic and trade exchanges between Cameroon and Nigeria, potentially transforming the Adamawa Region into a bustling economic corridor. The road is expected to enhance access to markets, reduce travel time, and improve the overall quality of life for residents along its path.
Despite the progress, challenges such as relocation issues and environmental concerns have been part of the journey. The Cameroonian Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, has been actively involved, ensuring that the project adheres to quality standards and progresses despite hurdles. His recent visit to the site underscores the government’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and pushing the project towards completion.
The CSCEC has been instrumental in navigating through these challenges, adapting to local conditions, and maintaining a steady pace of work. The construction includes comprehensive elements such as earthwork, laterite aggregate sub-base, graded gravel base, asphalt pavement, and ancillary structures, including a significant bridge. This meticulous approach ensures that the final roadway stands the test of time and usage.
Looking ahead, the completion of the Ngaoundéré-Paro axis is poised to be a game-changer for the region. It will not only facilitate smoother transportation but also act as a catalyst for socio-economic development. The project is a testament to the resilience and collaborative efforts of the Cameroonian government and the CSCEC, setting a precedent for future infrastructure endeavours in the country.
As the project moves forward, it carries the aspirations of the Cameroonian people, promising a future where mobility is not a luxury but a given. The Ngaoundéré-Paro axis is more than a road; it’s a journey towards progress and prosperity.
While the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCE) is engaged in negotiations for new contracts in Gabon (construction of a performance hall in Libreville and a cultural centre), a threat of termination of the contract hangs over its back in Cameroon. The Chinese civil engineering giant has just received a new formal notice from the Ministry of Public Works (Mintp) after that of 2022 and a “failure” noted last April in the context of the Ngaoundéré-Paro road construction project in Adamaoua.
The project owner generally criticizes the successful bidder for the slowness in carrying out the work and the low mobilization of equipment, in addition to the continued absence of certain management staff leading to organizational inadequacy. As proof, launched in 2019, the work on this 70 km line is 30% complete for a delivery time consumption of approximately 97%.
However, this 31.8 billion CFA franc market aims to link the north and the central and western regions to improve the movement of goods and people and open up agricultural and agro-pastoral areas. Contacted by EcoMatin, the Ministry of Public Works said that usurpation practices are very common for companies in public procurement with “false certificates or licenses that do not belong to them”. This position corroborates a statement by the head of this ministerial department Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi who, in an interview on national television on October 23, 2023, acknowledged that many companies use “cheating” in the process of submitting files.
In addition, the ministry cites poor knowledge of the environment as a pretext for the difficulty in progressing the work. According to an internal source at the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, its preferred field is not roadworks. “Since our creation in 1982, our achievements have been much more focused on the building sector, such as the national swimming centre in Beijing and Shun Hing Square (China), the Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa (DRC), the sports centre in Port-Gentil (Gabon),” our informant told us.
