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INFRASTRUCTURE : Bamenda–Bafut–Wum road, a key lever for connectivity in Menchum

(LVDE) – On April 22, 2026, in Yaoundé, the Minister of Public Works received a delegation of dignitaries from the Menchum Division led by Hon. Richard Wallang. The group came to commend the National Road No. 11 project linking Bamenda, Bafut and Wum, and to express gratitude to the Head of State for this long-awaited infrastructure project, anticipated for several decades.

Esther Grâce Publié :25 avril 2026 | Mis à jour :25 avril 2026 3 minutes lues

In the corridors of the Ministry of Public Works, the meeting took on the significance of a turning point for the Menchum Division. Representatives from the North-West region highlighted their satisfaction with the progress of the Bamenda–Bafut–Wum road project, considered a strategic infrastructure for opening up this long-isolated area.

According to information provided by the ministry, the implementation of National Road No. 11 is now following a structured pathway. Authorization from the public procurement body has already been obtained to launch the pre-selection of bidding companies. These firms must meet strict technical and financial requirements, while also demonstrating a socio-economic anchoring in the project area, a criterion aimed at strengthening local ownership of the project.

The bidding documents are currently in their final preparation stage. They will soon be submitted to the Special Tenders Board before being forwarded to the funding partner, the African Development Bank, for a no-objection opinion. The timeline forecasts this step for the end of May 2026, with a clear objective: to sign contracts before the end of the year and begin actual construction work as quickly as possible.

On the political and community level, this development has generated strong reactions. The Menchum delegation, composed of local elected officials, traditional authorities including the Fon of Wum and his aides, as well as representatives of youth and women, unanimously expressed their appreciation to national authorities. All emphasized the historic nature of this project, seen as a structural response to long-standing mobility challenges affecting the region for generations.

Accounts gathered on the ground highlight the daily realities faced by local populations, who endure poorly maintained roads, long travel times, and high transportation costs. For many, the future Bamenda–Bafut–Wum road represents far more than a simple transport corridor: it is viewed as an opportunity for economic transformation, improving access to markets, social services, and urban centers.

At the ministry level, emphasis is placed on the continuity of administrative and technical processes. The Minister of Public Works reaffirmed his commitment to relay the population’s messages of gratitude to the highest State authorities, while assuring that all necessary procedures are being carried out to respect the established timeline.

In a context where road infrastructure remains a key driver of development in Cameroon, this project is part of a broader national effort to modernize the road network. The Bamenda–Bafut–Wum road thus stands out as a strategic link to strengthen regional connectivity and support local economic growth, while addressing long-standing expectations from the people of Menchum.