English version

BAMENDA URBAN CROSSING : Bun’s Urged to Speed Up Work for Timely Delivery

(LVDE) – Under tight deadlines and despite ongoing security challenges, the Bamenda urban crossing project has entered a decisive phase. During a site visit, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi called for intensified work to ensure the infrastructure is delivered on schedule.

Raphael Mforlem Publié :23 mars 2026 | Mis à jour :23 mars 2026 3 minutes lues

On March 19, 2026, Bamenda, under persistent rainfall, hosted a field visit by the Minister of Public Works. Despite the adverse weather, the government official toured the different sections of the urban crossing under construction, closely assessing the progress made by Bun’s. In an environment marked by security and logistical constraints, the project currently shows a completion rate of just over 12%, reflecting moderate progress relative to the targets set.

On the concerned stretch, visible advancements are nonetheless evident. Land clearance operations have been completed over approximately 1.3 kilometers, while sanitation works cover nearly 1.2 kilometers. The base layer has been laid over 675 meters, and hydraulic structures are also progressing, with 839 meters executed out of a revised total of 1,206 meters. These achievements reflect the gradual mobilization of teams despite challenges posed by rainfall and limited site accessibility.

Structured around several strategic axes linking Amour Mezam Junction, Finance Junction, Veterinary Junction, and Hospital Roundabout, the project aims to provide Bamenda with modern road infrastructure. Widened carriageways, central medians, and sidewalks are all designed to ease traffic flow and improve urban mobility in a rapidly growing city.

Given contractual deadlines and upcoming events in the region, the Minister instructed an intensification of work. He recommended earlier start times for teams and the opening of multiple work fronts to optimize working hours and mitigate the impact of rain and nightfall. This approach aims to accelerate the pace and ensure timely project delivery.

The social dimension of the project was also addressed. Of the 193 people affected by the works, 151 have already been compensated in line with the Resettlement Action Plan. Compensation operations are continuing gradually, depending on enrollments, across a perimeter covering more than 4.4 kilometers. This measure remains crucial to secure community support and facilitate the continuation of the works.

During the visit, the Minister also stopped at the Bamenda Archdiocese, where he met with Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya to discuss preparations for the Pope’s announced visit in April 2026. Subsequently, a consultation meeting at the Regional Delegation of Public Works brought together all stakeholders to review progress and identify solutions to persistent challenges.

Beyond this project, authorities praised regional developments, including the Ring Road and road maintenance programs funded by the Public Investment Budget. In a country where the road network remains a key driver of growth, representing nearly 90% of domestic trade according to the Ministry of Public Works, modernizing infrastructure is a strategic priority.

Ultimately, the Bamenda urban crossing is a structuring project with significant economic and social impact. Its completion will help decongest the city, stimulate commercial activity, and enhance the attractiveness of the North-West region, in a context where public investment plays a decisive role in economic recovery.